Latest intel on priority Notre Dame defensive line target Elijah Golden after he solidifies his commitment date and finalists

Golden is currently rated as the No. 107 overall player and No. 16 defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class according to the 247Sports rating. That ranking also has Golden rated as the No. 12 player in the state of Florida, a hotbed for talent each and every year. The 247Sports Composite ranking also has him pegged as the No. 185 overall player and No. 24 defensive lineman in the class. 

After playing high school football for IMG Academy back in 2023, Golden played at Cardinal Mooney as a junior. In 11 games he played, Golden managed to collect 61 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Golden also had eight more quarterback hurries and a pass breakup for the defense. 

The recruiting rankings are impressive, as is his offer list, and production. At 6-3 and 270 pounds, Golden also has the ideal frame to eventually develop into a playmaking three technique on the next level. His combination of raw size, movement skills, and upside are tremendous.

Heading into this decision, it’s hard not to feel confident if you are a Notre Dame fan. This has been a Fighting Irish-Alabama battled for some time, and it does feel like the former has had a slight lead for a good chunk of time. That was solidified during Golden’s official visit to South Bend a couple of weeks ago.  

After Texas run stopper Alister Vallejo opted for Michigan, Ohio State made their final offer to California star Khary Wilder, and things went South with Georgia pass rusher Dre Quinn, things got even more serious with the Notre Dame pursuit of Golden. He was always a very important player for the Irish, but the board was now smaller, and missing would be disastrous. 

With Alabama running second, you can bet that head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide aren’t going to just go away over the next couple of weeks. I expect Notre Dame to win out on July 26th, but closing hard down the stretch will be key.