An Inexperienced but Talented Tight End Room is Ready to Step Up for Notre Dame in 2026!
- godcountryirish
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end room enters the 2026 season as one of the most intriguing position groups on the roster. With the departure of veteran Eli Raridon to the NFL Draft and a mix of experienced returners, rising young talents, and high-upside newcomers from the 2026 recruiting class, "Tight End U" appears poised for a potential breakout year under head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff.
Gone are some of the heavier veteran production losses from prior cycles, but the Irish have reloaded internally and through recruiting. The position blends blocking reliability, athleticism in the passing game, and fresh athleticism that could make this group a key weapon for quarterback CJ Carr in what projects to be a dynamic offense.
Key Returners and Veterans
Leading the way is Cooper Flanagan, who figures to enter spring as the frontrunner for the starting role. Flanagan brings experience and versatility, capable of inline blocking and stretching the seam as a receiver. Health has been a factor in the past, but if he stays on the field, he's the reliable veteran anchor the room needs.
Ty Washington provides another seasoned option with transfer portal experience. Listed in multiple depth projections as a key contributor, Washington adds depth and could compete for significant snaps in two-tight-end sets.
James Flanigan has generated serious buzz from Notre Dame's coaching staff. Insiders have highlighted him as a potential impact player, with some even speculating he could emerge as the top tight end by fall camp. His recruiting pedigree and early development make him a name to watch for a breakout 2026 campaign.
Other depth pieces include Jack Larsen, who adds youth and potential in reserve roles.
The Exciting Newcomers
The 2026 recruiting class delivered a major boost to the position with two standout commitments who signed in December:
Ian Premer — A five-star talent, the 6-5, 220-pound athlete from Great Bend, Kansas, brings elite upside. Premer's combination of size, athleticism, and receiving skills makes him a potential immediate contributor or redshirt candidate with massive long-term potential. Many see him as a future star in South Bend.
Preston Fryzel — An athletic addition who committed earlier in the cycle, Fryzel provides another dynamic piece with receiving prowess. Paired with Premer, this duo injects high-ceiling talent into a room that already has solid foundation pieces.
What to Expect in 2026
This unit has the ingredients for a "pleasant surprise" season. Veterans like Flanagan and Washington provide stability in the run game and short-to-intermediate passing, while the young talents—especially Flanigan and the freshmen—could emerge as seam-stretchers or red-zone threats. Notre Dame's staff has shown high confidence in developing in-house talent at the position, and with no major portal additions needed, the focus shifts to internal competition and growth during winter workouts and spring practice.
If Flanigan or Premer hits early, or if Flanagan stays healthy and productive, this tight end corps could become a strength that elevates the entire offense. In a year where the Irish aim to build on recent momentum with a young QB like Carr, reliable tight ends who can block and catch will be crucial. Look for Notre Dame's tight ends to play a bigger role in 2026—potentially returning the program to its "Tight End U" reputation with a blend of experience and exciting new blood.
Go Irish!
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