Tom Loy of 247Sports talks about the finish of the 2025 class

In the first two episodes of this series, 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Tom Loy provided an in-depth analysis of Notre Dame’s current recruiting class. Given his background in Fighting Irish Athletics, it was enlightening to hear his views on the potential of this class.

Tom Loy analyzes Notre Dame’s 2025 defensive recruits

Tom Loy analyzes Notre Dame’s 2025 offensive recruits

As it stands, Notre Dame is building a solid class for 2025. However, several key recruits remain on the board. A strong finish to the season, especially with a place in the first 12-team play-off, could significantly improve their chances of securing these high-profile prospects.

After the second bye week, the Irish are poised to host a big recruiting weekend when they take on rival Florida State. This matchup could mark the start of an exciting end to the class.

While Loy didn’t delve deeply into the predictions for the latest additions to the 2025 class, he did break down many of the remaining targets and offered realistic expectations for each player discussed.

Jalen Wiggins – Defensive Line (Florida Commit)

Notre Dame has long been seen as a dark horse for the Tallahassee native and Gators, but it remained to be seen if they could get him on campus for a visit. That changes next week as the Irish will host Wiggins for the Florida State game.

Wiggins would be a major coup for Notre Dame. He is a four-star recruit on all major recruiting platforms, with ESPN ranking him at No. 68 nationally, while On3 ranks him at No. 95 in the Top 100.

Tom’s thoughts: “Flipping a guy like Jalen Wiggins, a Top247 defensive lineman, from Florida would be ideal. However, that will certainly not be easy. Getting him on campus for the Florida State game is a win.”

The Irish coaching staff has their work cut out for him, but they will soon take their chances on the consensus four-star.

Two uncommitted linebackers

IMG Academy four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and J Serra Catholic four-star linebacker Madden Faraimo are both long-term targets for Notre Dame. Owusu-Boateng is the brother of former Irish standout Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, while Faraimo comes from a Catholic college football conference in Southern California where Notre Dame is actively recruiting.

Faraimo also draws comparisons to current freshman linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, which certainly benefits Notre Dame given their similar backgrounds, playing styles and shared high school football conference.

Don’t be shocked if Notre Dame takes the lead here and Loy echoes these sentiments:

“Notre Dame would like to pair Top247 linebackers Madden Faraimo and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. In all seriousness, it wouldn’t shock me if they both ended up choosing the Fighting Irish.”

Owusu-Boateng has collected a wide range of recruitment evaluations. Rivals ranks him as a five-star prospect at No. 19 nationally, while ESPN ranks him at No. 80. Recently, 247Sports moved him to number 158, and On3 is not including him in their On300, but still labels him a four-star. Either way, he’s an exceptional athlete.

Faraimo’s ratings are more consistent, with three outlets ranking him nationally between No. 57 and No. 93. On3 is the only outlet to rank him outside the top 100, putting him at No. 130.

Offensive Skill Position Goals

The Irish are actively looking for more offensive weapons for the class of 2025. They have pursued several receivers and are still in the mix for more, including a new name that recently surfaced. The coaching staff is also considering adding a second tight end and running back to the classroom.

Three-star wide receiver and Arizona commit Isaiah Mizell recently visited Notre Dame for a game. Four-star Michigan tight end commit Andrew Olesh is scheduled to be on campus next week, and four-star LSU wide receiver commit Derek Meadows could also attend that game, along with four-star Oklahoma wide receiver commit Emmanuel Choice.

Loy gave his thoughts on some of the remaining targets.

About Mizell: “The staff is still in the process of recruiting three-star receiver Isaiah Mizell from Arizona. I would love to get that pickup for the Irish, but he has made it clear to the Wildcats that he is keeping his promise. I wouldn’t say this one is over though, certainly not.”

By choice: “Notre Dame has offered and discussions have gone well. A visit is in the works for the Florida State game, but plans are not set yet. Get him on campus and a turnaround is possible. Until then, he is just a name they talk about.”

About Oles: “Notre Dame is making a run at Michigan tight end commit Andrew Olesh. The staff thinks they have an opportunity there and can take a step. He has been receptive. Some ties to UM may make things difficult, but they have a chance.”

Don’t read too much into the lack of commentary on Meadows. The Irish were heavily involved in his recruitment before he committed to LSU. If he visits campus for the Florida State game, it would be a major development. When it comes to running back recruitment, the Irish staff has kept the information secret. Until progress has been made on a specific recruit, there is no point in discussing potential names.

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