In-State Defender Israel Oladipupo Excited For Notre Dame Return

Talented 2025 pass rusher Israel Oladipupo previews his return to Notre Dame

Notre Dame is set to host a flurry of talented recruits on Sunday for the “Grill and Chill” recruiting cookout. The visitor list is filled with several talented players in the 2025 recruiting class, including Noblesville (Ind.) High School pass rusher Israel Oladipupo.

Earlier this off-season, Oladipupo visited South Bend for one of the evaluation camps. Since then, the two have kept close contact leading up to this return trip. This upcoming experience will offer the in-state standout a chance for a new perspective.

“I am excited to see more of the facilities like the weight room, trainers, and it all,” Oladipupo told Irish Breakdown. “I couldn't get that much into the visit the first time after their camp in June. This will be a lot more in depth.”

While Oladipupo doesn’t currently hold an offer from the Irish, this talented 6-3, 220-pound defender has a great early impression of the program. Their uniqueness really stands out.

“I like Notre Dame,” said Oladipupo. “It’s around a great area and community. They have a great tradition, for example, the man-made tunnel with their band and stuff and the speech that would be given in front of their huge painting of Touchdown Jesus before games.

“Also their great education is big,” he continued. “That is the most important for me, getting top tier education while also playing the sport of football on the biggest stage.”

Having the experience of working with the coaching staff at the camp really stands out for Oladipupo. Seeing the coaches in action, while also interacting throughout, have a great perspective. It starts with Al Washington, who has impressed him early on.

“Coach Washington has had a great relationship with me,” he explained. “We keep in touch with each other. He and I believe that I am a baller and I'll always go out there on the field and show out. I am a flexible player and I'll play whatever the coaches see as my best fit.”

With those conversations continuing, there is clearly some level of interest from both sides. The whole Irish staff has really made him feel wanted so far.

“I’ve had a great relationship with Coach Washington, you know,” said Oladipupo. “He’s a really fun guy to talk to, especially whenever needing clarification about certain things. He was able to coach me up very well during the camp, especially during the 1-on-1s and we’ve been in touch since.

“Coach (Nick) Sebastian was also the one who gave me the first tour after the camp,” he continued. “He was a cool guy to be around as well. They both radiate great energy to linger around.”

Whether an offer is on the horizon remains to be seen. Notre Dame is keeping close eyes on the talented defender, getting him back to campus quickly. This relationship, and visit, is one to keep a close eye on.

Oladipupo currently holds six scholarship offers. So far Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ball State and Bowling Green have pulled the trigger. Both Notre Dame and Penn State have been keeping close tabs on him. 

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