Notre Dame signs 5-star EDGE Rodney Dunham

Charlotte Myers Park five-star EDGE Rodney Dunham has signed with Notre Dame.

Pledged to the Fighting Irish since April 10, the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder had a no-nonsense recruitment and will now head to Notre Dame as a part of an impressive 2026 class that’s poised to finish in the top three of the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Dunham is the No. 17 overall prospect and No. 5 EDGE in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 3 recruit in the North Carolina.

Duke, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina were also finalists for the five-star, but Notre Dame picked up the momentum in the spring. He set his commitment date not long after a trip to South Bend, silently pledged to Marcus Freeman and the Irish in March, then went public in April.

“Just the opportunities that they brought to me outside of football and with football,” Dunham told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong about his decision. “You’re getting developed by the best and you’re playing with the best, but also you’re getting a world class education and great degree with amazing people around you. That’s what attracted me the most.”

“No school compares with ND. The level of football you get to play, plus the degree you earn, plus the connections you get, plus the type of people you’re around. There is nobody else in the country that has that.”

Dunham sits atop a class that features a quartet of five-stars in total. Dunham is flanked by cornerback Khary Adams, tight end Ian Premer and safety Joey O’Brien. The Irish also have a pledge from Rivals five-star offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh.

Rodney Dunham Scouting Summary

Rivals’ Scouting and Rankings Team writes this of Dunham as a prospect:

“Athletic pass rusher with the skill set and functional movement skills that point to a high upside. Measured at around 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with good length as a junior. Lines up on the edge for his high school team, rushing the passer out of two and three-point stances. Limber athlete who has very smooth movements. Displays outstanding get-off, bursting off the snap. Has excellent curvilinear movement skills, showing the ability to accelerate while rounding the edge. Dips his shoulder to shirk contact with offensive tackles. Closes quickly on ball carriers once in the backfield. Play speed is evident as he stalks down ball carriers from behind. Shows burgeoning power at the point of attack, shedding offensive linemen once engaged. Will need to continue developing from a physical and technical standpoint. Could stand to improve his production. A younger prospect for the cycle, turning 18 years old in July before his freshman season of college football.”