Commitment Preview: Linebacker Anthony Sacca Ready To Announce
For what seems like forever, Notre Dame has been heavily pursuing 2025 Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s Prep defender Anthony Sacca, who projects as a versatile piece on the second level for a defense. The Irish currently hold one commitment at linebacker in the class from Hawaii standout Josiah Kia, and are hoping to once again close on a fantastic linebacker haul that has become the norm for head coach Marcus Freeman.
Sacca is considered a high level player in the 2025 recruiting class by multiple major recruiting platforms. He is ranked as high as the No. 57 overall player and the No. 7 linebacker in the class by Rivals. Sacca is a near consensus four-star recruit by every major recruiting platform, the lone exception being On3 that has him ranked as a three-star.
Here is the latest with each school heading into the decision.
NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
The Irish staff got on Sacca very early, originally offering during his sophomore season. For well over a year, they have had a relationship with the Philadelphia star and have made their presence known. Sacca has been to South Bend multiple times, including last year’s Blue-Gold Game and the Ohio State game this past season. Al Golden has been incredibly important in this recruitment, having a deep relationship with the Sacca family beginning with his time playing with his father Tony Sacca at Penn State.
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
The Buckeyes are another team who have had a presence with Sacca for some time now. He had visited Columbus for the first time last July and returned for their battle against Penn State, and has said nothing but great things about the program since. Sacca also has a really good relationship with James Laurinaitis, who had previously recruited him at Notre Dame. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has also been instrumental in this recruitment, having been a St. Joseph’s Prep alumni and deep ties in Philadelphia.
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Whenever Alabama is in the race for a big time recruit, especially defensively, they are a major threat. Sacca made the visit to Tuscaloosa in early February, a trip that at the time seemed like it could shake up his recruitment. The talented linebacker has had nothing but praise for the program since then. They can point to the name power and proven track record of putting linebackers into the NFL.
WISCONSIN BADGERS
Wisconsin may be the most interesting school included in Sacca’s finalists. They are not a heavy favorite to land Sacca but have been quietly putting themselves in the conversation for more high profile recruits in the 2025 class. Luke Fickell and his staff are making an impact, and should be able to get the Badgers back near the top of the Big Ten over the next few years.
DUKE BLUE DEVILS
While Wisconsin may have been the most interesting team, Duke was probably the biggest surprise in Sacca’s finalists. The big reason for their presence is head coach Manny Diaz, who was previously the defensive coordinator at Penn State. The two have developed a deep bond and have continued since he went down to Durham. They also aren’t the front runners but have done a great job with Sacca.
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