In a shocking move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, top 2026 Michigan football prospect, five-star defensive end Ethan Johnson, has committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program. Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound standout from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive end prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.
Johnson’s commitment to Notre Dame is a significant coup for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, who have been working tirelessly to build a strong recruiting class. The Fighting Irish have been looking to add a top-notch defensive end to their roster, and Johnson’s talent and athleticism make him an ideal fit.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committing to the University of Notre Dame,” Johnson said in a statement. “The Fighting Irish have a rich tradition of excellence, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Coach Freeman and his staff have shown me a lot of love and support, and I feel like they genuinely care about me as a person.”
Johnson is a dominant force on the field, with a strong combination of size, speed, and strength. He is a consensus five-star recruit and is widely regarded as one of the top defensive end prospects in the country. Johnson’s commitment to Notre Dame is a significant boost to the program’s recruiting efforts, and provides a major addition to the team’s defensive line.
“Ethan is an exceptional talent with a tremendous work ethic,” Freeman said. “We’re thrilled to have him join our program and can’t wait to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success. He’s a game-changer, and we believe he would be a great fit for our team.”
Johnson’s commitment to Notre Dame is also a significant blow to the Michigan Wolverines, who had been heavily recruiting him for months. However, Johnson said that he felt a stronger connection to the Notre Dame program and coaching staff.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Fighting Irish family,” Johnson said. “I feel like the coaches and players are all about winning and getting better every day. I’m looking forward to being a part of that culture and helping the team achieve great things.”
In terms of the impact on the Fighting Irish roster, Johnson’s commitment provides a significant boost to the team’s defensive line. The Fighting Irish have been looking to build a strong and deep defense, and Johnson’s talent and athleticism would be a major addition to the team.
“Ethan is a talented defensive end who can come in and compete for playing time right away,” Freeman said. “He’s got the size, speed, and strength to be a dominant force in the ACC. We’re excited to have him join our program and can’t wait to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
Johnson’s commitment is also a significant boost to the Fighting Irish recruiting momentum. The program has been building a strong recruiting class, and Johnson’s addition is a major coup for the staff.
“We’re thrilled to have Ethan join our program,” Freeman said. “He’s a talented player who is committed to helping us build a championship program. We’re looking forward to seeing him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
In conclusion, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have landed a major recruit in five-star defensive end Ethan Johnson. Johnson’s talent and athleticism make him an ideal fit for the Fighting Irish, and his commitment provides a significant boost to the team’s defensive line. With Johnson on board, the Fighting Irish are poised to make a major push in the ACC and beyond.