Four-Star DE Elijah Golden: 6'4", 275-lb State Champ with Elite Sack Production Caps Notre Dame's 2026 Class
Elijah Golden, a four-star defensive end (6'4", 275 lbs) from Cardinal Mooney (FL), is the No. 85 overall prospect in the 2026 class per ESPN 300 and a consensus blue-chip recruit who chose Notre Dame over Alabama, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech [1][3]. He closed his high school career with 3 sacks and a 14-1 state title run, finishing on a 13-game winning streak with all victories by at least three scores [6]. Golden's differentiators include rare size-speed balance, elite hand usage, and a high-intensity, dominant mentality that translates to both edge and third-down interior roles [5]. His intensity, leadership, and championship pedigree make him a perfect fit for Notre Dame's power-defense identity, offering immediate impact potential as a future starter [5][6].
