Who wins Stanley Cup Final Game 4? Pathways to victory for Panthers, Knights
The 2023 Stanley Cup Final looked to be slipping away from the Florida Panthers after the team lost Games 1 and 2 by a 12-4 margin in aggregate to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Heading into Game 3, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk commented that the Panthers couldn’t “make it a series” unless they won that night. Tkachuk backed up his talk with a game-tying goal in the closing minutes of the third period to send the game to overtime, where the Panthers continued their undefeated extra-time streak in the 2023 playoffs with a 3-2 win.
With Game 4 on the docket tonight (8 p.m. ET, TNT), will Vegas return home with a 3-1 series lead? Or will Florida tie things up — perhaps with another shower of plastic rats hitting the ice? Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski serve up the four keys to victory for each club heading into this pivotal showdown.
Note: Shilton identified the keys for the Knights, while Wyshynski profiled the Panthers.
Put the power in power play
Coach Paul Maurice doesn’t buy the premise that his team hasn’t score a power-play goal in the Stanley Cup Final.
“We’ll count the 6-on-5 goal as a power-play goal. Because it is. It’s an odd-man goal. So we’ll take it,” the coach said of Matthew Tkachuk‘s Game 3 tally with goalie Sergei Bobrovsky on the bench.
OK, so there are semantics at play here. The stats say the Panthers are 0-for-12 on the power play against Vegas, a team that has scored six goals on its power plays — two in each game of the series. The Panthers are generating fewer shot attempts and high-danger chances on the man advantage than are their opponents.
That 6-on-5 goal aside, Maurice admitted his team needs to be better when there’s a Golden Knight in the penalty box. But he’s preaching patience.
“It’s also our history in the playoffs that our power play has taken two or three games to make the adjustments we need to make because we’re seeing such extreme differences in styles,” he said. “From Carolina to Vegas, they’re opposite ends the spectrum, in terms of pressure and opportunity. It’s not like it’s all messed up and we’ve got to fix this problem. It’s an area of growth for us.”
More “Playoff Bob”
For all of the heroics from Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe in Game 3, none of it would have been possible without Bobrovsky having his best game of the Stanley Cup Final.
“He gave us a chance to win and we used that chance,” captain Aleksander Barkov said.
Bobrovsky went from a minus-2.6 goals saved above expected in Game 2, when he was pulled for backup Alex Lyon, to 1.6 goals saved above expected in the Panthers’ Game 3 win.
“It is what it is. I can only control the things that I can control. You try to give your best and sometimes it happens,” said Bobrovsky, who bounced back in a major way in Game 3 after being pulled in Game 2. “So it’s OK as long as you stay mentally sharp as this series goes on. And tonight is a big win for us.”
The Golden Knights held an 11-5 high-danger shot attempt advantage in the final two periods of Game 3. Bobrovsky closed the door, as he did all night at 5-on-5. If Vegas had sent even one goal past Bobrovsky at even strength, Florida might be in a 3-0 series hole.
The Golden Knights didn’t seem too concerned with their 5-on-5 play after Game 3. They had the better of play from an expected goals perspective for most of the game, if not the volume of shot attempts the Panthers had. They just got goalie’d. They wouldn’t have been the first with Bobrovsky in the other net.
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Sergei Bobrovsky makes a great sequence of saves for the Panthers
Sergei Bobrovsky makes a string of impressive saves as the Panthers keep it even at 1-1.
Don’t play the hits
Maurice made one of the most curious comments of the postseason after the Panthers’ Game 2 loss, saying “I think we’ve made this series more physical than it needs to be.”
The Panthers had 36 hits in Game 1 and 44 hits in Game 2 on the road. In Game 3, Maurice’s players heeded his request: The Panthers were credited with just 14 hits, four fewer than the Golden Knights had in the game.
“I think we still played physical. We still had a lot of bumps on them. Maybe not as forceful hits as they were before, but they were still pretty solid,” defenseman Radko Gudas said. “If it’s there, take it. If it’s not, then don’t get thrown out of position. I think there’s a smart way of looking at the physical side of the game. We’re all learning as we play and learning from the mistakes.”
Maurice said that by not chasing hits, his players would be in better position to make plays and would expend less energy during the game.
Did that edict include Gudas, one of the biggest hitters in the league?
“You can’t tell Guddy not to hit,” teammate Eric Staal said.
Maurice wasn’t about to ask him, either. “If you watch his game, he understands the systems that we’re running. He just doesn’t make a lot of mistakes,” the coach said.
Also, Gudas can “blow somebody up” with a check, said Maurice, who added — as only Paul Maurice can do — that his defenseman had a secret weapon on those hits.
“Radko’s beard is actually part of him hitting. He has weights tied into the beard. The beard weighs 130 pounds,” the quick-witted coach said. “You guys didn’t know that. I’m not even sure if that’s legal.”
Get to overtime?
I asked Gudas what the Panthers locker room is like before a playoff overtime. Specifically, what the locker room is like for a team that seems to play its best hockey when regulation ends.
“Definitely not quiet, that’s for sure,” he said.
These Panthers are one of the most successful overtime teams in Stanley Cup playoff history. With their Game 3 win, the Cardiac Cats moved to 7-0 in this postseason. Some of those wins were critical ones on their journey to the Final: Games 5 and 7 against the Boston Bruins; Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs; that quadruple-overtime game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 followed by a second straight road win in a Game 2 overtime.
It’s not just this postseason. Going back to 2021, the Panthers have won 10 straight playoff overtime games, the second-longest streak in NHL history behind only the Montreal Canadiens, who won 14 straight from 1993 to ’98.
There are some obvious reasons for the Cardiac Cats’ success in overtime. Having finishers like Tkachuk and Verhaeghe helps. So does having a goalie like Bobrovsky who doesn’t let anything by him. But Gudas said this Panthers team gained its overtime poise during the regular season, when Florida needed late-season wins just to make the playoff cut.
“We had a pretty tight second half of the season where everybody had to play in a situation where there it was a must-win and no mistakes were really allowed. It gave us the chance of knowing that we can make those plays in those crucial situations,” he said. “I think everybody is confident with going in the overtime, but I don’t think it’s just the overtime.”
Play on, power play
Vegas dominating the special teams battle has been critical to its success in the Cup Final. And if it ain’t broke, well, you know how the saying goes.
The Golden Knights are 6-for-17 on the power play so far, compared to Florida’s woeful 0-for-12 mark. Vegas used a pair of power-play scores to erase the Panthers’ early success in Game 3 and nearly take the W themselves.
The Golden Knights didn’t feel Thursday was close to their best effort, and still, special teams could have given them a stranglehold on the series. That confidence in the power play to come through — especially when Florida has been so prone to penalties in the Cup Final so far — can go a long way in continuing to give Vegas an edge.
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Jonathan Marchessault stays hot with a power-play goal
Jack Eichel makes a pinpoint pass to Jonathan Marchessault for the power-play goal as the Golden Knights lead 2-1.
Get out of your own end
The Golden Knights are — unsurprisingly — at their best when not jammed into the defensive zone.
Florida did a terrific job of making life hard on Vegas there in Game 3, to the degree that the Golden Knights struggled even finding an outlet pass. Vegas will need to manage Florida’s forecheck better in Game 4 without compromising on its own style of play.
At their best, the Golden Knights move freely through the neutral zone, have forwards supporting their defense well and are predominantly in attack mode. They didn’t challenge Panthers netminder Bobrovsky for too much of Game 3 (getting only one shot on goal through most of the first period was suboptimal), when that’s a large part of how Vegas rolled through Florida in Game 1 and 2.
Look for the Golden Knights’ offense to spark again if Game 4 goes their way.
Manage Matthew & Co.
Matthew Tkachuk has been a menace throughout the postseason. He didn’t bring that same energy to the Cup Final until Game 3.
And it wasn’t just by scoring the equalizer with minutes to play in regulation; it was his top-to-bottom performance with linemates Nick Cousins and Sam Bennett.
Vegas must hold those three — and Tkachuk in particular — to the perimeter in Game 4, and not allow the same Grade-A opportunities offered up to them on Adin Hill in Game 3.
The Golden Knights can get caught over-pursuing and then giving those topflight skaters too much room to operate in front of the net. Boxing out well and collapsing away so Florida’s best shooters can’t get set will hold those snipers at bay, let Hill see any pucks that do come his way and give the Golden Knights a quick transition back to offense.
Let the stars come out
It’s not like Jack Eichel and William Karlsson haven’t contributed throughout the Cup Final. But neither player has scored a goal against Florida (and Eichel hasn’t lit the lamp since Game 5 of Vegas’ second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers).
The Panthers showed in Game 3 the importance of a team’s best players stepping up at key junctures. Vegas may have enviable offensive depth, but that wasn’t carrying the day on Thursday and can’t solely be relied upon to make a difference in Game 4.
The shift must eventually come from those yearlong contributors finding their own way onto the board in meaningful ways (like say, how Tkachuk did in Game 3).
If Vegas can ignite the likes of Eichel and Karlsson, it could not only lead to a 3-1 series advantage on Saturday but put some serious doubt into the Panthers’ minds from there.
Many college football programs are wrapping up spring practices this weekend, which traditionally has included an intrasquad game, giving fans and players a sneak peek at what is to come on the field in the fall with a game-day atmosphere.
This year, for a variety of reasons, many programs are skipping the scrimmage for a different kind of spring showcase, including skills contests, fanfests and meet-and-greets. Among the teams taking this route as they close their spring sessions this weekend are Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Purdue and defending national champion Ohio State.
But several schools will be hosting spring games, including Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Miami and Georgia Tech. Here’s a look at those teams and what to watch for this weekend.
All times Eastern.
Game time: Friday, 6 p.m.
2024 record: 9-4
Spring storyline: Just how good can this offense be? In his first year, Jeff Brohm made the most of veteran QB Jack Plummer. Last season, Tyler Shough developed into one of the most productive QBs in the country. Now Brohm turns to USC transfer Miller Moss, perhaps the most talented QB he has had at Louisville, and the Cards will surround Moss with a host of ubertalented skill players, including Caullin Lacy and Isaac Brown. Brohm’s offenses are always explosive, but this Cardinals squad has a chance to be one of the most terrifying units in America.
Position of intrigue: The secondary is littered with transfers — no shocker at Louisville — including the two corner positions, where Jabari Mack (Jacksonville State), Rodney Johnson (Southern) and Justin Agu (Louisiana) will be in the mix for playing time. There’s a big void in the secondary, after Louisville said goodbye to a host of veterans, including Quincy Riley. How this new unit jells will be crucial for a Louisville D that was far too susceptible to the big play in 2024.
Player to watch: Here’s a fun scenario: Isaac Brown was among the most prolific freshmen in the country last season, racking up 1,527 all-purpose yards. And yet, it’s another rising sophomore — Duke Watson — who might be the more explosive player. Watson got just 67 carries last season but averaged nearly 9 yards per rush and scored seven times. His role will grow alongside Brown in 2025, giving Louisville arguably the best one-two punch at tailback of any squad since last season’s Ohio State national champs. — David Hale
Game time: Saturday, noon (ACC Network)
2024 record: 5-7
Spring storyline: Virginia hit the transfer portal hard to boost its roster, signing 16 players in hopes of putting the Cavaliers in position to make a bowl game for the first time since 2021. While the program has made some strides since Tony Elliott was hired in 2022, he also knows the team must show significant progress this year. His players have already spoken confidently about putting Virginia in a spot where it can compete for championships. We will get our first glimpse at the possibility this spring.
Position of intrigue: Virginia lost quarterbacks Anthony Colandrea (portal) and Tony Muskett (final season) and went into the portal to find their replacements. The headliner is Chandler Morris, now at his fourth school after spending last season at North Texas. Virginia also signed Daniel Kaelin from Nebraska as the potential quarterback of the future with four years of eligibility remaining. Look for Morris to take the reins giving his experience.
Player to watch: Linebacker Fisher Camac, a transfer from UNLV, has the ability to make the types of plays that set the tone on defense. Last season, he had 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 3 QB hurries and a forced fumble. — Andrea Adelson
Game time: Saturday, 1 p.m.
2024 record: 8-5
Spring storyline: Embattled Gators coach Billy Napier completely flipped the narrative on his future at Florida by guiding his team to four straight victories to finish with an 8-5 record in 2024. That winning streak included upsets of then-No. 22 LSU and then-No. 9 Ole Miss. Much of the optimism is because of quarterback DJ Lagway, who was 6-1 as the starter as a freshman, and a veteran offensive line. Lagway threw for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has been limited throughout spring practice because of shoulder and lower-body injuries and won’t play Saturday. Florida will play another brutal schedule in 2025 with road games at LSU, Miami, Texas A&M and Ole Miss and a neutral-site contest against Georgia.
Position of intrigue: Finding Lagway dependable targets on the perimeter will be a focus this spring. Top receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike departed for the NFL, and Eugene Wilson III is coming back from season-ending hip surgery. Receivers Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson and Naeshaun Montgomery were three of Florida’s highest-ranked signees, and J. Michael Sturdivant (UCLA) was one of the top pass catchers in the portal.
Players to watch: Florida’s strength coach called linebacker Aaron Chiles an “alien” before his freshman season because of his exceptional work in the weight room. With Shemar James leaving for the NFL draft, Chiles and Myles Graham will have a chance to make an impact on defense this season. Graham had 30 tackles and one sack in 2024; Chiles had 23 tackles with one sack. — Mark Schlabach
Game time: Saturday, 1 p.m.
2024 record: 11-3
Spring storyline: Much of Georgia’s attention this spring will be focused on its offense, which struggled to catch the ball and run it when it mattered in 2024. The Bulldogs went 11-3, won an SEC championship and reached the CFP last season. But Georgia’s offensive production slipped mightily — it scored 31.5 points per game (after averaging 40.1 in 2023) and ranked next to last in the SEC with 124.4 rushing yards. Georgia will be breaking in four new starting offensive linemen and a new quarterback. Newcomers will also be counted on to improve an inconsistent receiver corps.
Position of intrigue: Georgia’s offensive line was expected to be one of the best units in the FBS in 2024, but it struggled to create holes in the running game and protect the quarterback. Four starters are gone, including center Jared Wilson and All-America guard Tate Ratledge. Earnest Greene III and Monroe Freeling have a lot of experience at tackle, and Micah Morris has been a mainstay at guard. Drew Bobo and Daniel Calhoun are the favorites to take over at center and right guard, respectively. Freeling missed spring practice after undergoing shoulder surgery; Calhoun was sidelined for much of it because of a foot injury.
Player to watch: No position on the team was criticized more in 2024 than Georgia’s receivers. The Bulldogs led Power 4 conference teams in dropped passes, and top receivers Arian Smith and Dominic Lovett left for the NFL. Georgia brought in two high-profile transfers, Zachariah Branch (USC) and Noah Thomas (Texas A&M), and Talyn Taylor and C.J. Wiley are two highly regarded freshman receivers. Branch had 1,863 all-purpose yards during his two seasons with the Trojans, including two kicks returned for touchdowns in 2023. He caught 78 passes for 823 yards and three scores. — Schlabach
Game time: Saturday, 1 p.m. (ACCNX)
2024 record: 7-6
Spring storyline: Georgia Tech ended last season with a good bit of buzz, and the Yellow Jackets return one of the most productive QBs in the ACC in Haynes King. Will all of that add up to a breakthrough season? There’s a lot to like on this team, but the story of coach Brent Key’s first few years in Atlanta has been the Jackets’ ability to play their best in big games then stub their toes against teams they should beat. Key is a ferocious competitor, and this spring seems like it should be a turning point when he pushes Tech from surprising upstart to a real contender.
Position of intrigue: The wide receiver room will look a lot different this spring. Three of the five wideouts with at least 100 receiving yards last season are gone, including star Eric Singleton, who exited via the portal for Auburn. Malik Rutherford is back, and he’ll be joined by a pair of FIU transfers in Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson, who combined for 112 catches and 19 touchdowns last year, as well as freshman Jamari Bruce.
Player to watch: Key is a former offensive lineman, and he believes championship teams are built in the trenches. Enter Josh Petty, a five-star recruit and arguably the most talented O-lineman the Jackets have landed in decades (and their first five-star signee since Calvin Johnson). Petty will need to work his way into the starting five, which already features talented veterans in Joe Fusile and Keylan Rutledge, but that doesn’t mean all eyes won’t be on the talented freshman to see just how much bang Georgia Tech is getting for its buck. — Hale
Game time: Saturday, 1 p.m.
2024 record: 7-6
Spring storyline: Pitt got off to an unexpected 7-0 start last season, only to finish on an equally unexpected six-game losing streak. After winning 20 games between 2021 and 2022, Pitt has struggled to find the same winning consistency the past two seasons. The hope is that the return of quarterback Eli Holstein and all-everything back Desmond Reid, plus a healthier offensive line, in Year 2 under offensive coordinator Kade Bell will allow the Panthers to find the rhythm and consistency to win.
Position of intrigue: Pitt struggled on the offensive line last season for a variety of reasons, including injuries that hindered the overall cohesion of the group. The Panthers put an emphasis on this position group in the portal, particularly offensive tackle, signing transfers Jeff Persi (Michigan) and Kendall Stanley (Charlotte). Stanley played 706 offensive snaps, all at right tackle, this past season, while the 6-foot-8, 310-pound Persi brings an imposing presence — though he has spent the majority of his career as a backup.
Player to watch: Pitt does a terrific job developing defensive backs, and safety Cruce Brookins could be next in line. With All-ACC safety Donovan McMillon gone to the NFL, Brookins has drawn praise for his striking ability and ball skills (two interceptions in reserve duty last season, including one against West Virginia). — Adelson
Game time: Saturday, 1 p.m.
2024 record: 7-6
Spring storyline: There’s a reason the coaches voted Clark Lea SEC Coach of the Year last season. He led the Commodores to their best season in more than a decade, took them to their first bowl game since 2018 and beat No. 1 Alabama for the first time since 1984, all this coming off a 2-10 season in 2023. The challenge now is building off such a solid season, creating more depth on the roster and continuing to develop players, which has been Lea’s strength. Some of the best news is that most of the key players are back, and there should be good carryover with Lea calling defensive plays for the second straight year.
Position of intrigue: With Diego Pavia back at quarterback, he’ll also have his favorite receiving target back. Eli Stowers, an All-SEC selection at tight end a year ago and the Commodores’ top receiver, bypassed the NFL draft to return for another season in Nashville. Stowers will need some pass-catching help on the outside from receivers. It’s a big opportunity for Junior Sherrill to have a breakthrough season, while Trent Hudson reunites with Pavia after spending last season at Mississippi State. Hudson and Pavia played together at New Mexico State in 2023, and Hudson had 10 touchdowns.
Player to watch: Who else but Pavia, who sparked Vanderbilt’s revival last season and electrified the SEC with his fearless play at quarterback. He gets another shot at SEC defenses after passing for 2,293 yards and rushing for 801 yards last season. Pavia, who’s seemingly never out of a play, accounted for 28 touchdowns (20 passing and eight rushing). — Chris Low
Game time: Saturday, 2 p.m.
2024 record: 11-3
Spring storyline: The Vols have knocked down several barriers under Josh Heupel. They’ve beaten Alabama twice and Florida twice in the past three seasons and made their first playoff appearance a year ago. The defense was the backbone of Tennessee’s run to the playoff, and several key pieces from that unit are gone and need to be replaced. Keeping defensive coordinator Tim Banks was a priority for Heupel. One of the big challenges for the Vols in Year 5 under Heupel will be playing better on the road, particularly in night games in hostile environments.
Position of intrigue: The young talent in Tennessee’s secondary is promising, and keeping safety Boo Carter from transferring was important. Carter may also play some offense in 2025. But at cornerback, it could be dicey. Jermod McCoy had an All-SEC season in 2024 after transferring from Oregon State. He tore his ACL in January, though, and is working toward getting back in time for the start of the season. Reports surfaced that the Vols’ other starting cornerback, Rickey Gibson III, was planning to enter the transfer portal, but he has changed his mind. His return would help the Vols’ situation in the secondary.
Player to watch: Nico Iamaleava has been the most closely watched player at Tennessee since his first season in 2023 when he arrived with a reported $8 million NIL deal. Now in his third season on campus and second as starting quarterback, Iamaleava would seem poised to have a breakout year. He was solid a year ago in leading the Vols to the playoff. He needs to provide more firepower in the downfield passing game if they’re going to get back to the playoff in 2025. — Low
Game time: Saturday, 3 p.m.
2024 record: 10-3
Spring storyline: Fran Brown surprised and impressed in Year 1, leading Syracuse to its first 10-win season since 2018, including a regular-season finale victory over Miami that kept the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game. But this will be a very different team on offense this spring with Kyle McCord, LeQuint Allen and Oronde Gadsden all gone to the NFL draft. Indeed, the biggest questions this spring surround how the Orange are going to replace all that production.
Position of intrigue: Replacing McCord is at the top of the list. Syracuse signed transfer Rickie Collins from LSU and Brown said earlier this week he has emerged as the starter to begin the season. The Orange also return backup Michael Johnson Jr. and redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams, and signed two freshman quarterbacks in Luke Carney and Rich Belin. Though the room is missing the veteran presence McCord brought last season, offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon said he is pleased with the depth he has among his QBs.
Player to watch: Syracuse was not nearly as aggressive in the transfer portal as it was a year ago, but landing defensive lineman Chris Thomas Jr. from Marshall should help shore up a run defense that was inconsistent for most of last season. — Adelson
Game time: Saturday, 3 p.m.
2024 record: 6-7
Spring storyline: Last season was supposed to be a breakout year for Virginia Tech. Instead, the Hokies struggled to a 6-7 record, lost 24 players to the transfer portal and saw some of their best players move on to the NFL draft. Though the Hokies bring back veteran quarterback Kyron Drones, there will a lot of changes, not only from a personnel perspective but among its coaching staff, with new offensive (Philip Montgomery) and defensive coordinators (Sam Siefkes).
Position of intrigue: The Hokies have holes to fill across the board, given the roster turnover. But let’s stick with offense and look at the running back room, where leading rusher Bhayshul Tuten is off to the NFL and backup Malachi Thomas transferred. Virginia Tech signed three transfer backs: Terion Stewart (Bowling Green), Braydon Bennett (Coastal Carolina) and Marcellous Hawkins (Central Missouri State) to fill the void.
Player to watch: Wide receiver Donavon Greene, a Wake Forest transfer, brings much needed experience and a veteran presence to the young, unproven Virginia Tech receiver group. Greene has been limited by injuries over the past few seasons, so staying healthy is imperative. — Adelson
Game time: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
2024 record: 10-3
Spring storyline: Can the defense get turned around? Miami parted ways with Lance Guidry after the D let the Canes down in 2024, and new coordinator Corey Hetherman is taking over with sights set on a far more dominant unit. Getting star defensive lineman Rueben Bain healthy will be a big first step, but figuring out a game plan for a beleaguered secondary will be even more significant.
Position of intrigue: Did we mention the secondary? Yes, breakout freshman OJ Frederique Jr. returns, but most of the rest of the DB room gets a fresh start with transfers Ethan O’Connor (Washington State), Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State) and Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin) arriving with ample hype, alongside blue-chip freshman Bryce Fitzgerald, among others. Miami’s DBs were a mess down the stretch last season — in part due to talent, in part due to injuries — so this spring is about breaking in the new faces and developing some depth at key spots.
Player to watch: New quarterback Carson Beck, transferring in from Georgia, would be the natural choice, but he is rehabbing from an elbow injury and hasn’t thrown this spring. Instead, we’ll look to Bain, who as a true freshman in 2023 was a force of nature on Miami’s D-line, racking up 7.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles. Injuries set him back from the outset in 2024, however, and his production regressed significantly. Bain had just 5.5 TFL last season and missed four games entirely. Bain appears healthy this spring, however, and if he can return to form this fall, he could be a key piece in revitalizing the Canes’ defense. — Hale
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Eli Lederman
Four-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham, ESPN’s No. 6 defensive end in the 2026 cycle, announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Thursday, landing with the Fighting Irish as the top-ranked prospect in coach Marcus Freeman’s incoming recruiting class.
A 6-foot-4, 220-pound recruit from Charlotte, North Carolina, Dunham is the No. 57 overall prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300. He picked Notre Dame over South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Duke following visits to all five schools in 2025. Dunham joins offensive tackle Tyler Merrill (No. 67 overall) and outside linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. (No. 146) as the Fighting Irish’s third top-150 commit and the program’s sixth ESPN pledge in the cycle.
Alongside two local programs (Duke and South Carolina) and a pair of nearby SEC powers (Georgia and Tennessee), Notre Dame stood as a regional outlier among Dunham’s finalists before surging in the late stages of his recruitment this spring.
Dunham told ESPN that his late March visit to see the Fighting Irish marked his first time on an airplane. That trip reinforced the school’s football tradition and academic prestige and strengthened Dunham’s connection with Notre Dame defensive line coach Al Washington. It also offered Dunham a valuable window into Freeman, the program’s fourth-year coach, through a chance encounter Dunham said ultimately helped seal his decision to commit.
“I was talking to one of the members of the staff there — someone who was serving food — and he was telling me how great of a leader [Freeman] is and how he presents himself in front of the players. That’s the type of guy you want to lead you growing up as a young adult and entering manhood. It’s not just all about football.”
Dunham projects as a high-upside, developmental prospect at the next level with speed off the line of scrimmage and standout pass-rush technique. He recorded 94 tackles (26 for loss) and 12 sacks across his sophomore and junior season at Myers Park High School in Charlotte.
An imposing pitcher with a fastball clearing 90 miles per hour, Dunham no longer plans to play baseball in college after initially considering a two-sport track earlier in his recruitment.
The defending national runner-up Fighting Irish closed the country’s 15th-ranked class in the 2025 cycle. If Dunham lands on campus in 2026, he’ll arrive to Notre Dame as the program’s highest-rated defensive signee since outside linebacker Jaylen Sneed, ESPN’s No. 48 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle.
Dunham’s pledge arrived less than a week after the Fighting Irish secured the commitment of four-star defensive end Ebenezer Ewetabe (No. 229 overall). With Davis — son of three-time NFL Pro Bowl linebacker Thomas Davis Sr. — also in the fold, Notre Dame has the early makings of a standout front-seven class in the 2026 cycle. Three-star cornerback Chaston Smith rounds out the program’s collection of four defenders committed so far in the class.
Dunham joins five-star Maryland pledge Zion Elee (No. 2 overall) and Texas A&M commit Jordan Carter (No. 59) among the earliest elite defensive ends to come off the board in 2026.
Five-star edge rusher JaReylan McCoy, a former LSU pledge, is set for a return to Florida this weekend, while fifth-ranked defensive end Nolan Wilson also remains on the Gators’ radar. Ohio State and Texas are two of the latest programs to host five-star reclass Richard Wesley, who will also take trips to Texas A&M and Tennessee over the next week. Five-star defensive end Jake Kreul visited Oklahoma on Thursday.
All told, seven of ESPN’s top 10 defensive ends in the 2026 class remain uncommitted this spring.
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