Unfortunately in the volatile world of college football recruiting, decommitments and flips are going to happen. Notre Dame and head coach Marcus Freeman have suffered their fair share since taking over prior to the 2022 season. Some have stung more than others.
Here are some of those notable former Fighting Irish commits of the past. This isn’t everyone, but they are some of the bigger names, and others who have produced the most thus far. It’s a testament to the level that Coach Freeman has recruited, and did so while losing this much talent.
Edwards began his career with head coach Deion Sanders and Colorado before transferring to Kansas State before last season. He was an all purpose threat for the Wildcats last season, and is now set for a bigger role this fall with DJ Giddens off to the NFL. As a sophomore, Edwards managed to go for 1,117 all purpose yards and eight touchdowns despite being only 5-9 and 167 pounds.
After redshirting during his first year with the Trojans in 2023, Paige took over as the starting left tackle in 2024. He had his ups and downs, but is expected to make a sizable jump this fall. At 6-7 and 320 pounds, Paige is a massive blocker with good overall movement skills.
It was viewed as a massive loss for Notre Dame back in the 2023 recruiting class, but Keeley hasn’t done much with Alabama yet. He only managed to collect three total tackles in two seasons so far. There is some hype around Keeley this offseason, who is said to be up to around 280 pounds now. It feels like a make or break season for him.
Moore has flashed when healthy for the Gators, but injuries have been his downfall in Gainesville. He is projected to be a starter once again this fall, and there are still many optimistic about him if he can stay healthy. In 2024, Moore managed to collect 17 total tackles, two interceptions, and three more pass breakups.
Unfortunately the Peyton Bowen recruitment became a complete fiasco, and one that Notre Dame would like to completely forget. The Texas native initially flipped to Oregon on National Signing Day before ultimately signing with the Sooners. He has played a ton for Oregon his first two years, but is still waiting to breakout. He has collected 70 total tackles and five pass breakups so far in his career.
After playing mostly special teams his first year and a half, Hillman had the chance to play a lot down the stretch of the 2024 season. He ended that season with 21 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, and two pass breakups. Hillman is now projected to be a full time starter, and potential breakout star this season.
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