Recruits have fantastic night at Notre Dame as Irish knock off USC
Marcus Freeman and his staff score a rivalry win in front of a star-studded group of prospects.
STEVE WILTFONG9 hrsVIP15
No. 21 Notre Dame got back on track on Saturday night with an emphatic 48-20 victory over previously undefeated and 10th-ranked USC. It was the type of environment in South Bend not many programs can match.
The Irish picked off the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams three times handing the Trojans their fifth consecutive loss inside Notre Dame Stadium. The defense was stifling, led by
Xavier Watts who had two of those interceptions and also had a scoop and score fumble recovery. The home team racked up 11 tackles for loss and the crowd was suffocating for four quarters.
Head coach
Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame staff have
247Sports No. 8 recruiting class in the 2024 cycle and hosted one of their top remaining targets in Ainsworth (Neb.) High Top247 tight end
Carter Nelson for this one.
Nelson took his official to South Bend in June and wanted to get back for a game. He was surrounded by several members of the Irish class at this game.
"The atmosphere for the game was the most electric game I have ever attended," Nelson's father Jake said. "As a long-time fan of everything football, that was an experience I will never forget. The ND/USC game is something every football fan should experience at least once."
Nelson gave Nebraska a verbal in June. The Irish will keep trying to change his mind.
"Carter remains committed to Nebraska and
Notre Dame is one of several teams that are still actively recruiting him," the elder Nelson said.