2026 Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Building a Dynasty in South Bend

As the 2025 college football season winds down, Notre Dame's coaching staff under Marcus Freeman has turned its full attention to the future. The Fighting Irish's 2026 recruiting class stands as one of the most impressive hauls in program history, boasting 27 verbal commitments and ranking No. 3 nationally according to multiple outlets. This class not only replenishes key positions but also brings in blue-chip talent that could propel Notre Dame back to national championship contention. With a mix of high-upside prospects, legacy recruits, and regional dominance, the Irish are positioning themselves for sustained success.

The class's strength lies in its depth across the board, particularly in the trenches and secondary, while skill positions add explosive playmakers. Notre Dame has secured commitments from 18 four-star or better recruits, including several in the top 30 nationally. Standouts like EDGE Rodney Dunham (ranked No. 6 overall) and OT Grayson McKeogh (No. 13) highlight the elite ceiling of this group. Adding intrigue are high-profile legacies: wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald, son of NFL Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, and linebacker Thomas Davis Jr., son of the former Carolina Panthers star. 

Full 2026 Commitments Breakdown

Below is a comprehensive table of all 27 commitments, sorted by position for clarity. Ratings are composites where available.

QB- Noah Grubbs ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

RB- Javian Osborne ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

RB- Jonaz Walton ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

WR- Kaydon Finley ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

WR- Bubba Frazier ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

WR- Devin Fitzgerald ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

WR- Brayden Robinson ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

WR- Dylan Faison ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

TE- Ian Premer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

TE- Preston Fryzel ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

OL- Tyler Merrill ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

OL- Ben Nichols ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

OL- Gregory Patrick ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

OL- Grayson McKeogh ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

OL- Sullivan Garvin ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

OL- Charlie Thom ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DE- Rodney Dunham ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DE- Ebenezer Ewetade ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DT- Elijah Golden ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DT- Tiki Hola ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

LB- Thomas Davis Jr. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

LB- Jakobe Clapper ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DB- Joey O’Brien ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DB- Khary Adams ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DB- Chaston Smith ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DB- Ayden Pouncey ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

DB- Nicholas Reddish ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Looking Ahead

With the early signing period looming in December 2025, expect a few more additions—perhaps a kicker or depth at defensive tackle—to push this class toward perfection. Flips are always a risk in recruiting, but the Irish's 90%+ commitment hold rate speaks to strong relationships. If this group gels like the 2025 class, Notre Dame could be vying for College Football Playoff spots for years to come. In Freeman's era, recruiting isn't just about stars—it's about culture. The 2026 Irish embody that: tough, smart, and ready to restore glory to the Golden Dome. 

Go Irish!