Notre Dame football lands 4-star edge rusher over LSU, Miami

Notre Dame football added another major defensive piece Tuesday as Bergen Catholic edge rusher Jackson Vaughn committed to the Fighting Irish over South Carolina, Auburn, LSU, and Miami. The commitment gives the Fighting Irish another nationally ranked defender in its 2027 recruiting class and strengthens the program’s long-term pass rush outlook.

Vaughn, who plays in Oradell, New Jersey, announced his decision after months of strong interest from several Power Four programs. The New Jersey standout has emerged as one of the more notable defensive prospects in the 2027 cycle after reclassifying from the 2028 class. The four-star pass rusher also keeps Notre Dame rolling in the 2027 recruiting cycle as the Fighting Irish continue building one of the nation’s top classes.

Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett shared the news on X, formerly Twitter, reporting that the pass rusher committed to Notre Dame over South Carolina, Auburn, LSU, and Miami.

“BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Jackson Vaughn has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @Rivals The 6’4 225 EDGE chose the Fighting Irish over South Carolina, Auburn, LSU, and Miami”

BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Jackson Vaughn has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @Rivals⁰⁰The 6’4 225 EDGE chose the Fighting Irish over South Carolina, Auburn, LSU, and Miami

“Philippines 4:13”https://t.co/WyBjqcK4e6 pic.twitter.com/Y79DSxEpEp

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 26, 2026

Vaughn’s commitment stands out because Notre Dame beat multiple major recruiting programs for a rising edge defender with national attention. LSU, Miami, Auburn, and South Carolina all gave Vaughn high-level options before he ultimately chose the Fighting Irish. That recruiting win gives Notre Dame another front-seven prospect with the tools to develop into a versatile defensive piece.

Recruiting evaluations describe Vaughn as a defender who blends speed and power while consistently creating pressure off the edge. With his athletic profile, the program gains a pass rusher who can potentially line up from multiple spots along the defensive front. Composite recruiting rankings place Vaughn among the top edge defenders in the country and as one of New Jersey’s best overall prospects.

For Notre Dame, the addition further strengthens a 2027 class already gaining national attention early in the cycle. The Fighting Irish have continued to prioritize defensive depth, and Vaughn’s commitment gives the program another promising piece for the future.

The post Notre Dame football lands 4-star edge rusher over LSU, Miami appeared first on ClutchPoints.