Notre Dame football adds five‑star defensive edge Darieon Prescott as coach Freeman seeks September turn‑around

Notre Dame secured a commitment from five‑star defensive end Darieon Prescott on July 27. Rated No. 7 overall and No. 3 edge by 247Sports, Prescott chose the Fighting Irish over Texas A&M and Oregon after visits to all three schools. He arrives with a strong high‑school résumé, including 65 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and five sacks last season.

Coach Marcus Freeman, who aims for a deep College Playoff run, faces criticism over a persistent pattern of September losses. Since taking over, Notre Dame has been beaten in September by top programs and upset opponents such as Marshall and NIU, including defeats at home. Freeman and the staff see ending those early‑season defeats as essential for the team to contend for a national title in 2026.