On a bright Sunday, Notre Dame celebrated a major win off the field by securing a commitment from Jerome Bettis Jr., a promising wide receiver for the class of 2025. Jerome, the son of the legendary Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Notre Dame star, Jerome Bettis, chose the Fighting Irish over several top-tier college programs. These included Texas A&M, NC State, and Arkansas. Jerome hails from Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 190 pounds, Bettis Jr. is recognized as the 83rd best wide receiver in his class according to 247Sports. He also ranks as the 671st overall player in the 247Sports Composite. His versatility shines through as he played on both sides of the ball for Woodward Academy, a team that contended for a state championship in the highly competitive state of Georgia.
Bettis Jr. shared with 247Sports that Notre Dame felt like a second home to him. The sense of belonging and comfort he experienced there made the school an exceptional place for him.
Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be a powerhouse, with Bettis Jr. being the latest addition. The Fighting Irish are currently the top-ranked team in the nation, boasting 18 commitments. This includes four athletes from the Top247 rankings, with Bettis Jr. being the third wide receiver to join the ranks.
Jerome Bettis Sr., Jerome Jr.’s father, left a lasting legacy at Notre Dame. During his three-year college career, he amassed 1,912 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. His sophomore year was particularly noteworthy as he set a Notre Dame record with 23 total touchdowns in a single season. His exceptional talent led him to be the 10th overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. Bettis Sr. went on to have a stellar professional career, rushing for over 13,000 yards with the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers, culminating in a Super Bowl victory and a Hall of Fame induction.
In a heartwarming full-circle moment, Bettis Sr. returned to Notre Dame and earned his degree in business in May 2022, decades after his time on the field.