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Already carrying an excellent defensive backs class, complete with consensus Top 100 talent at cornerback and safety, Notre Dame added to its 2025 defensive backs class today.

Ranked just outside the Top 150, safety JaDon Blair announced his commitment to Notre Dame over Florida State, Michigan, Penn State, South Carolina, and others.

With that, Irish Illustrated recorded a special edition of our Tracking the Trail podcast, digging into the details around the Blair commitment, details around the Top 200 recruit, and several big-picture elements.

In this week's edition of Tracking the Trail, Kevin Sinclair and Eric Thomas discussed the ongoing recruitment of a half-dozen 2025 prospects. 

The guys then broke down the dramatic improvement in Notre Dame's quarterback recruiting under Marcus Freeman.

Finally, Kevin and Eric tapped into a big-time 2026 defensive back who is showing interest in the Fighting Irish, along with the wide range of young players set to serve as the fruits of Marcus Freeman's labor this fall.

Tim O'Malley is joined by Kevin Sinclair as the two discuss Notre Dame Football's Summer Enrollees, ranging from freshman to grad transfers, and even Notre Dame's new Australian Punter.

Kevin Sinclair and Eric Thomas are back for another edition of Irish Illustrated's weekly Tracking the Trail recruiting podcast. 

They started by reviewing the ongoing 2025 recruitments at receiver, linebacker, and safety. Some recruitments are a waiting game following official visits, but the latest is discussed. 

Beyond that handful of prospects, Kevin and Eric tapped into the significant interest generated on the defensive side of the ball in the 2026 cycle, along with a mixture of uncertainty and promise on the offensive side of the ball.

Irish Illustrated Insider reviews its first impressions of the summer enrollees, delves into the latest on position battles at RB and OL, and offers its opinion on the forever recruitment of top-tier standouts such as Deuce Knight in the sport's modern era.

Irish Illustrated's Tim Prister and Tim O'Malley are back for another edition of Irish Illustrated Spotlight, focusing on the ongoing Counting Down the Irish Series the staff has put together this summer.