Top No. 1 DL of 2026 Class Commits to Notre Dame: “They Say Choose Hard, But I Chose God.”
In a seismic recruiting win, Notre Dame has landed the commitment of the nation’s top-ranked defensive lineman in the class of 2026. Elijah “E.J.” Bradford, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound wrecking ball from Cedar Hill, Texas, announced his decision with a quiet nod to faith and resolve. “They say choose hard,” Bradford said in front of a crowd of family, coaches, and media. “But I chose God.”
Bradford, a five-star prospect and consensus No. 1 DL across all major recruiting services, picked the Fighting Irish over strong pushes from USC and SMU. Each program presented a compelling case. USC offered the glitz of Hollywood and the success of past defensive stars like Leonard Williams. SMU pitched a hometown revival, promising Bradford the opportunity to become the face of a rapidly rising program in the new-look ACC.
But it was Notre Dame’s storied tradition, defensive pedigree, and spiritual atmosphere that won his heart. Bradford described walking through the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on his official visit and feeling something deeper than just the pull of football. “It wasn’t just about the sacks and the stats,” he said. “It was about purpose.”
His high school coach, Marcus Givens, wasn’t surprised. “Elijah is a monster on the field, but his compass is spiritual. Notre Dame speaks to the soul, and he’s a kid with a big one.”
On the field, Bradford is a once-in-a-decade talent. With a 4.8-second 40-yard dash and a wingspan that eats up passing lanes, he tallied 18 sacks and 31 tackles for loss as a junior. Coaches rave about his get-off, his motor, and his technique. Analysts compare him to a hybrid of Quinnen Williams and Myles Garrett.
Notre Dame’s defensive line coach, Al Washington, called it “a foundational moment for this program.” Sources inside the program say Bradford’s commitment could spark a domino effect in the 2026 class, attracting other elite talent on both sides of the ball. “It’s not just that we got the best defensive lineman in the country,” said head coach Marcus Freeman. “It’s that we got a young man who reflects everything this university stands for.”
Bradford’s decision also sends a message: Notre Dame is once again becoming a final destination for blue-chip defensive talent. With his commitment, the Irish vault into the top five of national recruiting rankings for the 2026 cycle.
In a recruiting world that often rewards flash and filters, Bradford’s decision stands out for its clarity and conviction. “This wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “But when I asked God to guide me, He showed me the Golden Dome.”
Notre Dame just got stronger, faster, and more faithful—and the rest of college football is officially on notice.
