Notre Dame Football's 2026 #1 Recruiting Class
- godcountryirish
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
Notre Dame's 2026 football recruiting class stands out as one of the program's strongest in recent years, securing a No. 1 overall national ranking. The Fighting Irish have assembled a deep and talented group under head coach Marcus Freeman. This class features three elite five-star prospects—edge rusher Rodney Dunham, tight end Ian Premer, and safety Joey O'Brien—who headline a haul rich in athleticism, legacy connections, and positional balance. Several recruits are sons of NFL legends, adding an extra layer of intrigue: wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (son of Larry Fitzgerald), wide receiver Kaydon Finley (son of Jermichael Finley), and linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. (son of Thomas Davis).
The class emphasizes trench warfare on both sides of the ball, with a robust offensive line group and disruptive defensive linemen. Offensively, Notre Dame focused on speed and versatility in the skill positions, while the defense boasts lockdown secondary talent and edge rushers poised to terrorize quarterbacks. Below, we break down the entire class by position, highlighting each player's background and potential impact.
Quarterbacks (2)
Notre Dame added two signal-callers with upside, blending a polished pocket passer with a dual-threat option.
Noah Grubbs, 6-4, 205 lbs, from Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, FL. A pro-style quarterback with strong arm talent and decision-making, Grubbs could develop into a multi-year starter.
Teddy Jarrard, 6-3, 190 lbs, from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, GA. Jarrard brings mobility and accuracy, reclassifying from the 2027 class to the 2026 class and representing a late addition to bolster depth.
Running Backs (2)
The Irish prioritized compact, explosive backs capable of breaking tackles and contributing in the passing game.
Jonaz Walton, 5-9.5, 205 lbs, from Central High School in Carrollton, GA. A hard-nosed runner with burst and vision, Walton is expected to compete for early carries.
Javian Osborne, 5-9, 191 lbs, from Forney High School in Forney, TX. Osborne's speed and elusiveness make him a dynamic change-of-pace option.
Wide Receivers (5)
This group is loaded with speedsters and route-runners, including two legacy recruits who could stretch the field immediately.
Devin Fitzgerald, 6-2, 205 lbs, from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, AZ. Son of NFL Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, he inherits elite hands and body control.
Kaydon Finley, 6-0, 200 lbs, from Aledo High School in Aledo, TX. The son of former Packers tight end Jermichael Finley, he's a tough, physical receiver with YAC ability.
Bubba Frazier, 5-9.5, 180 lbs, from Benedictine Military School in Savannah, GA. A slot specialist with quickness and reliable hands.
Brayden Robinson, 5-8, 160 lbs, from Red Oak High School in Red Oak, TX. Explosive speed makes him a deep threat and return specialist.
Dylan Faison, 5-11, 170 lbs, from Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, FL. A shifty route-runner who excels in underneath patterns and is the #1 lacrosse recruit in the country.
Tight Ends (2)
Headlined by a five-star talent, this duo provides blocking prowess and receiving threats.
Ian Premer, 6-5, 220 lbs, from Great Bend High School in Great Bend, KS). A matchup nightmare with soft hands and inline blocking strength; he's a potential All-American.
Preston Fryzel, 6-4, 220 lbs, from Central Catholic High School in Toledo, OH. Versatile athlete who can line up in multiple spots.
Offensive Linemen (6)
Notre Dame's offensive line haul is massive and athletic, with size to dominate the run game.
Ben Nichols, OT, 6-6, 335 lbs, from Davison High School in Davison, MI. A road-grading tackle with power and footwork.
Grayson McKeogh, OT, 6-7, 275 lbs, from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, PA. Long and agile, ideal for pass protection.
Tyler Merrill, IOL, 6-5, 338 lbs, from Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, PA. Dominant interior blocker with quickness off the snap.
Gregory Patrick, OT, 6-4.5, 275 lbs, from Portage Northern High School in Portage, MI. Technically sound with room to add weight.
Charlie Thom, OT, 6-6, 275 lbs, from Avon Old Farms School in Avon, CT. Projectable frame with athleticism for the edge.
Sullivan Garvin, IOL, 6-5, 300 lbs, from Allegan High School in Allegan, MI. Versatile guard/center prospect.
Defensive Linemen (2)
Interior disruptors who can collapse pockets and stop the run.
Elijah Golden, DL, 6-4, 275 lbs, from Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota, FL. Explosive off the line with pass-rush potential.
Tiki Hola, DL, 6-2, 285 lbs, from Bastrop High School in Bastrop, TX. Stout against the run with active hands.
Edge Rushers (2)
A pair of athletic edges, led by a five-star phenom.
Rodney Dunham, Edge, 6-4, 227 lbs, from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC. Elite speed rusher with bend; a cornerstone for the defense.
Ebenezer Ewetade, Edge, 6-3.5, 221 lbs, from South Garner High School in Garner, NC. Twitchy athlete with upside as a stand-up rusher.
Linebackers (2)
Instinctive playmakers who fit Notre Dame's aggressive scheme.
Thomas Davis Jr., LB, 6-2, 205 lbs, from Weddington High School in Matthews, NC. Son of Panthers legend Thomas Davis; sideline-to-sideline speed.
Jakobe Clapper, LB, 6-1.5, 215 lbs, from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH. Physical tackler with coverage skills.
Cornerbacks (2)
Lockdown artists to shore up the secondary.
Khary Adams, CB, 6-2, 175 lbs, from Loyola Blakefield High School in Towson, MD. Lengthy cover corner with ball skills.
Chaston Smith, CB, 6-1, 175 lbs, from Knoxville Catholic High School in Knoxville, TN. Fluid hips and recovery speed.
Safeties (3)
A star-studded group anchored by a five-star.
Joey O'Brien, S, 6-3, 185 lbs, from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, PA. Rangy ballhawk with instincts; could start as a freshman.
Ayden Pouncey, S, 6-2.5, 160 lbs, from Winter Park High School in Winter Park, FL. Athletic with closing speed.
Nick Reddish, S, 5-11, 185 lbs, from Independence High School in Charlotte, NC. Hard-hitting nickel safety.
Specialists (1)
Jasper Scaife, P, 6-5, 200 lbs, from Australia. International punter with a big leg for field position battles.
This 2026 class positions Notre Dame for sustained success, blending blue-chip talent with developmental pieces. With strong geographic diversity—from Florida to Australia—and a focus on both lines, the Irish are building a roster capable of contending for national titles. As these recruits arrive on campus, expect them to elevate a program already on the rise.
Go Irish!
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