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Notre Dame’s football program has recently surged to the forefront in the recruitment of elite pass rusher Rodney Dunham from Charlotte (N.C.) Myers Park High School. Dunham, a dynamic defensive end and exceptional student, has been a prime target for the Fighting Irish coaching staff, who view him as an ideal fit for their program. citeturn0search0
Dunham has already made multiple visits to South Bend and is scheduled to return at the end of March. His father noted the impact of Notre Dame’s recent championship game appearance on Rodney’s interest, stating, “He wants to go there and of course he’s excited they just played in the National Championship game.” citeturn0search0
Following Notre Dame’s victory over Penn State in the semifinal, Dunham expressed his heightened interest: “They’ve always been top on my list but now this might bump them up to the top spot. Need to start visiting them more in the near future.” citeturn0search0
Dunham is a consensus four-star recruit, with 247Sports ranking him as the No. 9 overall player and No. 2 EDGE in the 2026 class. His impressive junior year stats include 29 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and a blocked kick. Additionally, Dunham is a standout baseball player and may consider playing both sports at the collegiate level. citeturn0search0
The competition for Dunham’s commitment is fierce, with prestigious programs such as Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Florida State extending offers. Notre Dame’s recent success and strong relationship-building efforts have positioned them favorably in this crowded field. citeturn0search0
Securing a commitment from Dunham would be a significant achievement for Notre Dame, enhancing their defensive line and bolstering their 2026 recruiting class. The coaching staff’s dedication to building relationships and showcasing the program’s success has been instrumental in elevating Notre Dame to the top of Dunham’s list. citeturn0search0
