Notre Dame Poised to Capture Surprise 2026 Recruit, Insider Steve Wiltfong Reveals Exclusive Prediction

Notre Dame football currently has twenty-six commits in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and while there isn’t much room left, there is for at least one more prospect.

AI-assisted summary
• Notre Dame is considered the favorite to land Golden, who is projected to play on the interior defensive line.

With a frame like his, Golden will most likely play on the interior of the line at the next level, but can also play on the edge if needed. Tiki Hola is the only other prospect that projects inside, so there is a clear need for Notre Dame to add another in this class.Elijah Golden is a 6-foot, 4-inch and 275-pound defensive lineman from Florida who will make his commitment on Aug. 9th, deciding between Alabama, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and the Irish. On3’s Steve Wiltfong really likes Notre Dame’s chances, as on Monday he put in a projection for Golden to commit to the Blue and Gold.Follow Mike on X:@MikeFChenNotre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class is nearly set, boasting twenty-six solid commitments already. Yet, there’s a feeling in the air that one crucial piece might still be missing — enter Elijah Golden, a towering 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive lineman from Florida, who’s got some serious programs circling like Alabama, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and of course, the Fighting Irish themselves. The buzz? Notre Dame has long been pegged as the frontrunner to land Golden, a prospect tailor-made for the interior defensive line, a position desperately in need of reinforcement beyond just Tiki Hola. As Golden’s commitment looms on August 9th, insiders like On3’s Steve Wiltfong are putting their chips on the Irish, hoping this promising talent will choose to don the Blue and Gold. Fingers crossed — this could be the final piece to an already impressive puzzle. LEARN MORE

The hope is that Wiltfong is correct, and Golden ultimately does select the Irish on Saturday.

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