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Notre Dame landed its best defensive line class in over a decade when it signed the 2026 class. Getting a commitment from Florida native Elijah Golden was the final piece to that outstanding class. Golden arrived early at Notre Dame and has already impressed.

Here is our season preview and profile for Golden:

ELIJAH GOLDEN PROFILE

Class/Eligibility: Freshman / Freshman
Height/Weight: 6-4, 292
Hometown/High School: Fredericksburg, Va./Cardinal Mooney (Fla.)

IB EVALUATION

Here is how Irish Breakdown evaluated Golden when he signed with Notre Dame.

"Golden was the perfect way to finish off the 2026 defensive line class when he committed prior to his junior season, and he went out as a senior and was truly dominant. Golden racked up an astounding 39 tackles for loss and 17 sacks while leading Cardinal Mooney to a state championship. Golden is listed at just 270 pounds right now but he has the frame needed to put on a lot of really good weight while maintaining his athleticism. That will be needed, because his quickness and athletic skills are crucial to his dominance as a football player.

"Golden fires off the ball extremely well, shows an impressive array of moves and closes on the football extremely well, which is why his production is so good. He’s a strong football player, but adding a bit more beef and weight room strength will be needed at the next level. Golden is more than just a talented player, he’s also a smart football player with a good feel for the game. His ability to read screens, quarterback action throws and cut backs is impressive. Golden improved his pad level as a senior, but he still has a tendency to lift up at the snap and not move his feet, which will need to be corrected. If it does he could be an elite interior defender for the Irish."

FALL CAMP PREVIEW

Golden showed impressive flashes this spring, displaying his unique combination of quickness and power. He filled out nicely and is already up to over 290 pounds, but he didn't lose any of his athletic skills. Golden played well in the Blue-Gold Game and in fall camp he'll look to build on that. Notre Dame is loaded at defensive tackle, especially in the upper classes, so it will be tough for Golden to earn early playing time. But fall camp will give him a chance to show he's improved and gotten stronger. If he shows a firmer grasp of the defense it wouldn't shock me if he makes some serious noise in camp.

2026 EXPECTATIONS

With how deep Notre Dame is on the inside I don't have expectations for Golden to earn a two-deep spot as a freshman. In many years in the past, even as recently as the first two seasons under Marcus Freeman, Golden would have had a chance to earn immediate playing time. But that will be much tougher this season, so talking about specific playing time goals isn't really what my focus is for Golden in year one. He's talented, but like most young players he still has a lot to learn from a technical and schematic standpoint. My baseline expectation is that Golden develops well, stays healthy and takes very well to the coaching of Charlie Partridge. 

That's my baseline expectation, and if Golden simply plays well enough to flash in late game snaps and in practice, I'll then look for him to make a big move in the spring. Of course, with his talent I also wouldn't be surprised if at some point this season Golden performs at a level that the staff feels they have to find a way to get him on the field more. I will say this, if I'm a veteran player I wouldn't want to be out for any period of time if Golden was right behind me on the depth chart.

A GOOD SEASON FOR GOLDEN WOULD BE ….

One in which Golden stays healthy, takes to coaching, develops a strong work ethic and grows his game. It's one where when he gets on the field — whether that be late game snaps or filling in for an injured player — he flashes the big time potential that made him one of the best pickups in the Irish class. A good season is one in which his performance, no matter how limited, has him in position to make some major noise next spring.

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