Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1546068
BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM PRESEASON 2026 59 BY MIKE SINGER After accumulating 52 scholarship of- fers, Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic class of 2027 edge Jackson Vaughn made his choice. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound four- star prospect announced his commit- ment to Notre Dame May 26, picking Marcus Freeman's program over Au- burn, LSU, Miami and South Carolina. "It made the most sense for me and where I want to be in life," Vaughn told Blue & Gold Illustrated about choos- ing the Fighting Irish. "There's great football at Notre Dame, but there are a lot of places that have great football. The things outside of football are what set Notre Dame apart and why it's the school for me." Notre Dame has long been considered one of the top programs — if not the No. 1 school to beat — in Vaughn's recruitment since he earned the offer last June during the staff's Irish Invasion camp. He was one of the top overall performers on the day according to Blue & Gold Illustrated. He returned to campus three months later to see the Irish in prime time against Texas A&M, and made it back to South Bend twice in the spring. Vaughn was on campus March 21 and April 25 for junior day and the Blue-Gold Game, respectively. Vaughn noted that his Notre Dame game-day visit last year solidified the Irish as the team to beat, and his trip for the spring game is when he knew he'd end up committing to the Irish. He first informed Freeman and defensive line coach Charlie Partridge of his decision. "They were all excited," Vaughn said. "They were telling me that in a few years, they'll be in the green room with me, waiting for me to get drafted and how this is one of the best decisions I've made in my life." Vaughn was Partridge's third com- mitment of the class, joining Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep edge Aidan O'Neil and Chicago St. Patrick defensive line- man David Folorunsho. Vaughn will enroll at Notre Dame in January. "I'm ready to go. I'm happy that the recruiting part is over," he said. "I'm blessed to be put in this position." Vaughn was originally a class of 2028 prospect, but on April 27, Rivals' Hayes Fawcett reported that Vaughn would be reclassifying to the 2027 cycle. With the immense talent Vaughn possesses, this change didn't deter any of his top programs. In fact, Notre Dame and oth- ers were "open to it and welcomed it." Al Washington was Notre Dame's de- fensive line coach when the Irish offered Vaughn, but after Partridge was hired to replace him earlier this year, they hit it off. "It's been great. We have a lot in com- mon," Vaughn said. "We could talk ball all day. It's been awesome getting to know him." Vaughn had a strong 11-game 2025 campaign, posting 40 stops, 12 tackles for loss, 8 sacks and 3 pass deflections. He recorded 8 sacks during his fresh- man season in 2024 as well, along with 10.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass deflections and 1 forced fumble, helping Bergen Catholic capture the New Jersey Non- Public A state championship. "I'm a guy who can get after the quar- terback," Vaughn said. "I bring high en- ergy, good football awareness and a dog mentality." Vaughn earned first-team Sophomore All-America honors from both Rivals and MaxPreps in 2025 after previously being named a 2024 Freshman All- American by both outlets. Vaughn, who is transferring from Ber- gen Catholic to Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy for his senior season, is listed as the No. 17 player in Florida, and the No. 16 edge and No. 149 overall prospect nationally in the Rivals Industry Ranking. He's been invited to participate in the 2027 Under Armour All-America Game, the 2027 Navy All-American Bowl and the 2027 Polynesian Bowl. Vaughn's older brother, Noah, is a running back at Virginia. ✦ COMMITMENT PROFILE JACKSON VAUGHN Reclassifying Four-Star Edge From New Jersey Picks Irish FILM ANALYSIS "For a reclassification prospect, [Jackson] Vaughn has advanced know-how as a pass rusher. You have to start off with his polish and combination of coordination and movement skills in pass-rush situations. He has outstand- ing bend and really understands leverage. Vaughn knows how to attack offensive tackles. He stays low, has quick hands, and you can tell he's been coached well. … "He'll continue to get bigger and stronger and will have to do that quicker with him re- classifying, but from an age perspective, he was older for his grade in 2028. So he's reclas- sifying into the correct grade age-wise. "It's a really nice get for Notre Dame, and one who Irish fans who are familiar with after his strong showing at Notre Dame's camp last year." — Rivals director of scouting and rankings Charles Power Last season, Vaughn totaled 40 stops, 12 tackles for loss and 8 sacks en route to earning Rivals and MaxPreps Sophomore All-America honors. PHOTO BY KYLE KELLY