Alabama’s recruiting game isn’t what it used to be—at least not yet. Yes, after Nick Saban’s shocking retirement following the 2024 season, Kalen DeBoer stepped in to lead the Crimson Tide into a new era. You know, a new coach means a new blueprint and a whole new process. As of now, Coach DeBoer’s 2026 recruiting class at Alabama ranks No. 34 nationally, according to 247Sports. But On3 tells a different story, placing Alabama at No. 5 overall and No. 2 in the SEC. Still, even with momentum building, a new storm is brewing. Notre Dame is charging hard on the trail. And now, DeBoer’s Alabama is officially on high alert. The Irish are coming, and Tuscaloosa feels the heat.

On April 11, On3 Recruits dropped big news—Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame just landed a monster. Yes, 5-star EDGE Rodney Dunham is headed to South Bend, bumping the Irish up to No. 6 in the 2026 recruiting rankings. That’s one five-star for Notre Dame… same as Alabama. But here’s the twist—Notre Dame has nine total commits, including six four-stars and a pair of three-stars. But Bama? Just four so far, with three four-stars alongside five-star CB Jorden Edmonds. While the gap’s widening, if momentum keeps swinging, Notre Dame could leap past the Tide. So, the race is heating up—and the Irish are making noise.

Look, just weeks ago, Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class sat at No. 13 nationally. Although the Irish had momentum, landing key pieces like 4-star EDGE Ebenezer Ewetade and 3-star interior lineman Tyler Merrill. But on April 11, everything changed. Dunham committed—and the class rocketed up to No. 6. That’s the kind of move that shifts the balance. As of now, Marcus Freeman is building more than hype; he’s building a contender.

But Alabama isn’t folding—not even close. Just as Notre Dame surged, the Crimson Tide fired back. Right now, with Edmonds jumping on board, Bama is locked in its fourth commitment for 2026. But before Edmonds, the class sat at No. 15 nationally and No. 8 in the SEC, per On3. However, he’s now the second DB in the class, joining 4-star in-state talent Zyan Gibson—who committed on Christmas Eve. So, while Marcus Freeman and the Irish made headlines, Kalen DeBoer made it clear: Alabama’s still in this fight.

Interestingly, the Tide may be rolling slow, but they’re coming strong. Jorden Edmonds isn’t just stars on paper—he’s production on the field. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound CB posted 30 tackles as a junior at Sprayberry High, locking down his side of the field. Meanwhile, Marcus Freeman isn’t chasing just anyone—he’s landing game-changers. Notre Dame scored big when Dunham, out of Charlotte’s Myers Park, pledged to the Irish. To be honest, it’s a major win in the trenches.

The recruitment victory of Notre Dame

Rodney Dunham made his move—and it’s a big one. Well, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound edge rusher out of Charlotte ranks No. 57 overall in the 2026 ESPN 300. And after visiting 5 top programs, Dunham chose Notre Dame over Gamecocks, Georgia, Vols, and Duke. So, it’s a major win for Marcus Freeman. On top of that, Dunham becomes the Irish’s 3rd top-150 commit, and he joins elite company with OT Tyler Merrill (No. 67) and LB Thomas Davis Jr.. (No. 146). So, Notre Dame’s class just got a whole lot scarier.

Here, Al Washington played the long game—and it paid off big. The Notre Dame assistant built a rock-solid bond with Rodney Dunham, and it helped seal the deal. Right now, landing one of the nation’s top overall players? That’s a massive win on the trail. Look, at Myers Park – Dunham has been a 2-sport wrecking ball. On the gridiron, he racked up 94 tackles, 26 TFLs, and 36 pressures across 2 seasons. And on the mound? The kid’s a weapon—3-0 record with a 1.75 ERA as a pitcher. Simply put, Dunham dominates, no matter the field.

As of now, Dunham joins a growing list of blue-chip talent ready to shake up CFB. He lines up alongside Florida QB Noah Grubbs, speedy WR Dylan Faison, Michigan O-line duo Ben Nichols and Sullivan Garvin, and Vols lockdown corner Chaston Smith. So, it’s a loaded class with star power across the board.

All eyes are now on Rodney Dunham to see how he delivers in South Bend. If his past is any sign, the Fighting Irish just landed a future game-wrecker.