NOTRE DAME STRIKES GOLD! FIGHTING IRISH SECURE 5-STAR RECRUIT ZAKIYAH JOHNSON WITH FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT

A Monumental Day for Notre Dame Basketball

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have officially secured the signature of 5-star phenom Zakiyah Johnson on a four-year contract, cementing one of the most significant recruiting victories in the program’s recent history.

Johnson, a dynamic 6’2″ wing and widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation, chose Notre Dame over a host of elite programs, including UConn, South Carolina, and Stanford. Her commitment represents a major win for head coach Niele Ivey, who has been aggressively building a powerhouse roster to return Notre Dame to championship contention.

“This is a dream come true,” Johnson said after inking her deal. “Notre Dame is the perfect place for me. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the love, the tradition, and the commitment to winning. Coach Ivey believes in me, and I’m ready to give everything I have to the Fighting Irish.”

Who is Zakiyah Johnson? A Future Superstar in the Making

For those unfamiliar with Zakiyah Johnson, her resume speaks for itself. A five-star recruit ranked in the top three nationally for the class of 2025, Johnson has been turning heads for years with her elite athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility.

Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Johnson has dominated at the high school level, averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in her junior season. Her ability to take over games on both ends of the floor has drawn comparisons to WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson.

Why Johnson Chose Notre Dame

Despite receiving offers from nearly every major program in the country, Johnson ultimately chose Notre Dame for its combination of academic excellence, championship pedigree, and player development.

“I wanted to go somewhere that felt like home, and Notre Dame gave me that feeling from day one,” Johnson explained. “The coaching staff is incredible, and they know how to prepare players for the next level. I also love the challenge of playing in the ACC—every night is a battle, and I want to prove myself on the biggest stage.”

Head coach Niele Ivey has been instrumental in securing Johnson’s commitment, emphasizing the program’s ability to develop WNBA-ready talent. Notre Dame has a rich history of producing elite players, including Skylar Diggins-Smith, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young. Johnson now joins that prestigious lineage.

Impact on Notre Dame’s Future

Johnson’s arrival is a game-changer for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have been steadily climbing back toward national championship contention, and adding a generational talent like Johnson accelerates that trajectory.

Her presence instantly bolsters Notre Dame’s roster, giving them an elite scoring threat who can create her own shot, dominate the boards, and play lock-down defense. Pairing Johnson with other rising stars already on the roster could make the Fighting Irish one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.

“Zakiyah is the kind of player that transforms a program,” said Coach Ivey. “She’s got everything—size, skill, leadership, and an incredible work ethic. We’re beyond excited to have her, and we know she’s going to do special things in a Fighting Irish uniform.”

Reaction from the Basketball World

The basketball community has been buzzing since Johnson’s commitment was announced. Analysts, former players, and fans have flooded social media with reactions, praising Notre Dame for landing such a high-caliber player.

• ESPN Analyst Rebecca Lobo: “Zakiyah Johnson is a program-changing player. Notre Dame just got a future WNBA lottery pick.”
• WNBA Star Arike Ogunbowale: “Big-time commitment for ND! Zakiyah, welcome to the Irish family!”
• Former Notre Dame Head Coach Muffet McGraw: “Huge day for Notre Dame Basketball. Zakiyah Johnson is the real deal—can’t wait to see what she brings to South Bend!”

Notre Dame fans have also been celebrating the news, with many already predicting deep NCAA tournament runs and a possible national championship in the near future.

What’s Next for Johnson and the Fighting Irish?

With her commitment now official, Johnson will soon begin preparing for her freshman season. She is expected to make an immediate impact, likely stepping into a starting role from day one. Her combination of size, speed, and scoring ability makes her an instant mismatch for any defense.

Coach Ivey and her staff are also continuing to recruit top talent, with Johnson’s commitment serving as a potential domino effect for other elite players considering Notre Dame. With Johnson leading the charge, the Fighting Irish are poised to return to national prominence.

Final Thoughts: A New Era Begins

Zakiyah Johnson’s signing marks the beginning of a new era for Notre Dame women’s basketball. With one of the most talented young stars in the country joining an already strong roster, the Fighting Irish are once again positioning themselves as serious national title contenders.

The message is clear: Notre Dame is back. And with Zakiyah Johnson wearing blue and gold, the future has never looked brighter.