Wednesday marked a significant milestone for the Notre Dame Men’s Basketball team as they celebrated National Signing Day, under the guidance of Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry, who announced a recruiting class unprecedented in South Bend’s modern history.
The Fighting Irish secured commitments from four recruits ranked in the top 120: 5-Star guard Jalen Haralson, 4-Star forward Ryder Frost, 4-Star center Tommy Ahneman, and 4-Star forward Brady Koehler. This class has been ranked fourth nationally and stands as the highest in the state.
According to an ND press release:
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Upon his appointment as the Glenn & Stacey Murphy Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Micah Shrewsberry encouraged fans to get on board, noting that the momentum of the recruiting process led to the school’s most highly regarded recruiting class in the modern era.
On Wednesday, Ahneman, Frost, Haralson, and Koehler signed their Athletic Aid Agreements, officially becoming members of the Irish. The class is rated fourth by 247Sports, fifth by ESPN, fifth by Rivals, and sixth by ON3. It not only ranks as the top class in Indiana but also stands second overall in the ACC.
Coach Shrewsberry commented on the 2025 class:
“We are thrilled with the four young men who signed with us today. They are excellent athletes and individuals who will represent Notre Dame both on the court and in the community.”
“Our focus on this class was clear from the beginning. We aimed to enhance our skill, size, and athleticism, and we succeeded in attracting four of our top priority recruits, creating an elite recruiting class.”
Tommy Ahneman, the leading prospect in Minnesota and a consensus top-100 recruit, transferred to Cretin-Derham after previously attending Sheyenne High School in North Dakota. There, he led his team to a Class 2A state championship, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors with an average of 20.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.9 assists during his junior year. Ahneman had a standout performance in the state championship, scoring 28 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. This spring, he played in the Nike EYBL Champions 17U league, averaging 20.7 points and 8.1 rebounds.
Finding proficient big men who can score both with their back to the basket and facing the rim is challenging, but Ahneman embodies this skill set. At 6-foot-10, he is expected to bring a strong physical presence to the program, capable of making plays in the post with his soft shooting touch and impressive footwork.
Staff comments on Ahneman emphasize the difficulty of finding quality centers. While he fits the classic profile with his size and scoring ability, Ahneman also excels in mid-range shooting and passing, enhancing his teammates’ play. As he develops, the staff believes he will have a considerable impact on the court, combining post scoring with playmaking.
Tommy opted for Notre Dame over offers from Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and others.
Brady Koehler is recognized as a consensus top-100 recruit. Coach Shrewsberry tapped into his alma mater, Cathedral High School, for Koehler, who averaged 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks last season while shooting 38.6% from three-point range. Koehler received recognition as an Indiana Junior All-Star and shares a background with Haralson as former teammates on the Indy Heat 17U EYBL team.
Coach Shrewsberry remarked on Koehler’s potential:
“Having known Brady for a long time, I see significant NBA potential in him. At 6-foot-9 with a wingspan exceeding seven feet, he possesses high-level athleticism, ball-handling abilities, and shooting skills. As he develops physically, we expect him to make a significant impact.”
Staff analyses praise Koehler as a late bloomer who dramatically grew during high school while maintaining his coordination and guard skills. Recognizing the need for enhanced athleticism and versatility at the forward position, the staff noted his shooting and ball-handling prowess at 6-foot-9.
Last summer, Koehler showcased his ability as an elite rim protector, using his length and timing to block shots effectively. With outstanding physical potential paired with a strong work ethic instilled by his parents, Staci and Carl, Koehler has a promising future ahead.
