BREAKING: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Flips No. 1 2026 Five-Star Elite EDGE, Jackson Cantwell, Shocking Commitment to Fighting Irish Football
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through college football, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has flipped one of the nation’s top recruits, securing a commitment from Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 ranked 2026 Five-Star elite edge rusher. Cantwell, who had previously been committed to Nebraska, shocked the recruiting world by choosing to play for the Fighting Irish, marking a major victory for Freeman and the Notre Dame program.
Cantwell, a highly sought-after prospect from the 2026 class, is considered one of the best defensive talents to emerge in recent years. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 250 pounds, the edge rusher has been turning heads with his combination of speed, strength, and elite pass-rushing ability. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him one of the most highly-ranked recruits, with schools like Nebraska, Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State all vying for his services.
After committing to Nebraska earlier in his recruitment, Cantwell has ultimately chosen Notre Dame, citing the program’s tradition of excellence, the coaching staff’s vision for his development, and the opportunity to compete for championships. The Fighting Irish’s recent success under Freeman, including their strong defensive performance, played a key role in convincing Cantwell that Notre Dame was the right fit for him.
“This is a dream come true,” Cantwell said in a statement. “Coach Freeman and the staff at Notre Dame made me feel like family from the very beginning. The program’s history, the culture, and the chance to be part of something special is what ultimately made this decision easy.”
Cantwell’s commitment is a huge boost for Notre Dame, further solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the race for elite recruits. With Cantwell’s commitment, the Fighting Irish have added one of the top defensive prospects in the nation to their 2026 class.
