Top 100 CB Chaston Smith commits to Notre Dame

Notre Dame continues to be loaded on the defensive side of the ball.

On Sunday, the Irish added another leader to start their 2026 season.

Chaston Smith committed to Notre Dame on Sunday. The four-star cornerback from Tennessee chose the Irish over Clemson and Notre Dame. Indiana and South Carolina were also finalists Rivals 7th place CB from Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie School.

The top-100 cornerback was in South Bend in November, one of his final visits before making his college decision.

“It was really nice to meet her in person for the first time,” Smith told Rivals of his time at Notre Dame.

“I can move up the league from Notre Dame, especially at my position. Coach Mickens develops players, but Notre Dame will also prepare me for success after football,” he added.

Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman and assistant Mike Mickens left a strong impression on Smith over the course of the fall.

Smith was in College Station over the weekend before ultimately choosing the Irish.

No visit compared to his time in South Bend earlier this fall.

“I’m glad I came,” Smith said after that visit. “Just talking to Coach Mickens and the audience was a really great atmosphere, and there were a lot of NFL Hall of Famers there too.”