4-star QB recruit Wonderful ‘Champ’ Monds commits to legendary program

Wonderful “Champ” Monds IV took his talents to ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday, May 1, to announce his college decision.

The four-star quarterback recruit out of Vero Beach, Florida, committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He will join head coach Marcus Freeman in the Class of 2027.

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Monds chose Notre Dame over the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida State Seminoles.

“I feel like Notre Dame has everything … and this is the best fit for me,” Monds said on McAfee’s show.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Monds is a four-star recruit and the nation’s No. 22 quarterback, according to Rivals’ industry rankings. He is the No. 25 prospect in the state of Florida, including the No. 2 quarterback, after reclassifying from the Class of 2028 to 2027.

Monds said Freeman was a big reason for his decision.

“He’s super down to earth,” Monds said. “When you’re talking to him, you don’t feel like he’s on any other higher level than you. … He’s a great guy and a great coach.”

Coming back from injury

Monds played just five games during his sophomore season due to injury. As a freshman, he completed 67.5% of his passes for 2,234 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He rushed for 502 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

As a sophomore, he threw for 691 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 71.4% of his passes.

After returning from injury late in the season, Monds led Vero Beach to the brink of its first state championship in 44 years. But Lake Mary connected on a Hail Mary and extra point as time expired for a 28-27 victory in the Class 7A title game. Coincidentally, the quarterback who threw that pass, Noah Grubbs, signed with Notre Dame.