Notre Dame Football Loses Key Defensive Tackle to USC
Chad Bowden, the former general manager of Notre Dame, has made a significant move to USC, a rival school, just after Notre Dame’s 2024 season ended with a National Championship loss. Bowden left his role at Notre Dame to take the same position at USC.
His move has already paid off for USC as they secured a commitment from top Notre Dame target, Simote Katoanga, on Sunday.
Simote Katoanga Commits to USC
Four-star defensive tackle Simote Katoanga announced his commitment to USC on Sunday afternoon. The Rancho Santa Margarita, California native chose the Trojans over Notre Dame, Clemson, North Carolina, and others.
BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Simote Katoanga has Committed to USC, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’5 250 EDGE from Oceanside, CA chose the Trojans over Notre Dame, Clemson, & North Carolina
“All glory to God. Proverbs 3: 5-6. Fight On✌🏽”https://t.co/pG3UQas6Np pic.twitter.com/T3QWUFrXMU
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 23, 2025
Katoanga’s commitment boosts USC’s strong position in the 2026 recruiting class, as the Trojans sit at No. 1 in the national rankings on 247Sports. Katoanga is now USC’s third-highest rated recruit for the class.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class is off to a good start but doesn’t match USC’s pace. The Fighting Irish are ranked eighth by 247Sports, with seven commitments so far, though none of them play on the defensive line.
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