Notre Dame Misses out to Rival on Midwest Defensive Lineman

Notre Dame and Ohio State both missed out on the four-star defensive end

Nov 24, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans long snapper Damon Johnson (59) prepares to snap the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Notre Dame was thought to be in good shape for a 2026 defensive line prospect from its own back yard but instead, rival USC has landed his commitment.

Four-star edge defender Braeden Jones of Chicago powerhouse Mt. Carmel announced on Sunday that he was committing to the Trojans. Mt. Carmel has been a longtime hot bed for Notre Dame talent, including

BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Braeden Jones (2026) has Committed to USC, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’5 255 EDGE from Chicago, IL chose the Trojans over Notre Dame & Ohio State

“Bringing the Midwest to the east coast!!”https://t.co/ocDaRirlVv pic.twitter.com/TCDDdExijr

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 13, 2024

If you missed it, go back and read his quote once more.

Jones is the sixth commitment in the 2026 recruiting class for USC as the Trojans rank third nationally in the 247Sports team rankings. Only Oregon and Florida State are ahead of USC in those rankings.

Notre Dame, who usually is among the faster starters in recruiting, sits with just two verbal commitments in the 2026 recruiting cycle so far. Quarterback Noah Grubbs and wide receiver Dylan Faison are Notre Dame's two current commitments.

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