Notre Dame Commit Elijah Golden Wears His Loyalty Loud-and Aims It at Miami
Elijah Golden hasn’t even suited up for Notre Dame yet, but if his recent high school performance is any indication, the Fighting Irish are getting a player who’s already all-in. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive lineman from Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota, Fla.) is still a senior in high school, but he’s already acting like a seasoned Irish veteran-especially when it comes to Notre Dame’s long-standing rivalry with the Miami Hurricanes.
Golden, a 4-star recruit in the 2026 class, committed to Marcus Freeman’s program this past summer, choosing the Irish over powerhouse offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech, among others. And while his play on the field continues to turn heads-he’s been a consistent force in the trenches-it was his post-play passion that grabbed attention this week.
In a viral clip from his latest game, Golden made his feelings clear about the College Football Playoff snub that left Notre Dame on the outside looking in. After a big play, he turned to the crowd, flashed an upside-down "U" with his hands, and called out “Miami Weak,” a direct shot at the Hurricanes, who were selected for the CFP over the Irish.
It wasn’t just a heat-of-the-moment taunt. It was personal.
Golden’s reaction reflected the frustration felt by many in South Bend and beyond. Notre Dame believed it had done enough to earn a spot in the playoff, only to see Miami get the nod. For a player like Golden-who hasn’t even arrived on campus but already embodies the program’s pride-it was a moment of raw emotion and team-first mentality.
And here’s the thing: this rivalry is only getting hotter.
Notre Dame and Miami are set to square off again in 2026 in what’s shaping up to be a highly anticipated rematch of their 2025 season opener, a game the Irish dropped. That matchup is already circled on the calendar for November 7, and don’t be surprised if Golden finds a way to make an impact. Even as a freshman, his size, motor, and mindset could earn him early reps-especially in a game with this kind of emotional weight.
Golden’s upside is obvious. He’s a disruptive force on the line, with the kind of frame and explosiveness that defensive coordinators dream about.
But what’s just as important, especially at a place like Notre Dame, is his mentality. Golden isn’t just joining the program-he’s embracing the culture, the rivalries, and the expectations that come with wearing the Blue and Gold.
The Irish may have missed out on the playoff this year, but with players like Elijah Golden on the way, they’re building toward something bigger. And if his message to Miami is any indication, he’s not just ready to play-he’s ready to go to war for Notre Dame.