Top 3 landing spots for 2026 class DL Elijah Golden ft. North Carolina 

Elijah Golden is a highly promising four-star defensive lineman from the class of 2026. He has already impressed many college programs with his phenomenal performance and has earned offers from Oregon, Ohio State, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech, among others.

Golden is ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 3 defensive lineman in the class of 2026 and the No. 2 recruit in Florida, according to 247Sports. On3 ranks him as the No. 42 defensive lineman in the 2026 cycle and the No. 83 prospect in Florida. Let's explore three programs that can potentially earn the player's pledge.

Top 3 programs vying for Elijah Golden's commitment

3. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is not traditionally known as a recruiting powerhouse, especially when compared to bigger programs. But the Hokies have positioned themselves as a dark horse in Elijah Golden's recruitment. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the school has a 15.6% chance of securing his commitment.

Golden made an unofficial visit to Virginia Tech on June 20. The program's 2026 recruiting class includes only one commitment: three-star quarterback Peyton Falzone. If Golden were to commit, he would be the first player on the defensive side of the ball as well as the first four-star prospect.

2. Notre Dame

Notre Dame has a 26.9% chance of landing Elijah Golden. His relationship with the program began when he received an offer on Pot of Gold Day, and since then, he has visited South Bend multiple times, including a trip on April 20 for the Blue-Gold Game.

Golden's positive interactions with Notre Dame's defensive line coaches, Al Washington and Nick Sebastian, along with head coach Marcus Freeman, have given the program a significant edge. In an interview with Blue & Gold, the player expressed his admiration for the school, saying:

“They stand very high on my list. They’re up there. Every time I go there, I have a blast. I have fun being there. The atmosphere and environment is really good."

Golden is also keen on returning to Notre Dame this fall to experience a game-day atmosphere. The program has quarterback Noah Grubbs and wide receiver Dylan Faison committed to its 2026 class.

1. North Carolina

North Carolina is leading the race for Elijah Golden’s commitment, with a 30.8% chance. The Tar Heels have been making big moves, under head coach Mack Brown, and Golden could be the next big name to join their ranks.

Golden made an unofficial visit to Chapel Hill on June 23, and the program made a huge impression on him. North Carolina has only one commitment in the 2026 class so far: three-star quarterback Zaid Lott from Providence Day School. If Golden joins the Tar Heels, he will instantly become the crown jewel of the class as the first blue-chip prospect.