Notre Dame has wrapped up its 2026 recruiting cycle, and under Marcus Freeman, the Irish have landed what might be the most complete and impressive class of his tenure. With 27 signees, this group checks every box-size, depth, athleticism, and positional balance. It’s a class that not only hits on needs but also raises the overall talent ceiling in South Bend.
Let’s dive into the makeup of this standout group.
Quarterback: The Signal-Caller of the Future
Noah Grubbs (6-4, 208 | Lake Mary, FL)
Grubbs is the lone quarterback in the class, and he brings a big frame and a high ceiling.
He’s the kind of passer who can command an offense with poise, and his blend of arm strength and timing makes him a strong fit for Notre Dame’s evolving offensive scheme. He’s got the tools to be a multi-year starter down the line.
Running Backs: Power and Burst
Javian Osborne (5-9, 200 | Forney, TX)
Jonaz Walton (5-10, 208 | Carrollton, GA)
Osborne and Walton bring different flavors to the backfield. Osborne is compact and explosive, with the ability to bounce runs outside or power through arm tackles.
Walton brings a more physical presence, built to handle inside zone and short-yardage situations. Together, they give the Irish a versatile one-two punch.
Wide Receivers: Speed, Size, and Skill
Dylan Faison (6-1, 180 | Boca Raton, FL)
Kaydon Finley (6-0, 212 | Aledo, TX)
Devin Fitzgerald (6-2, 199 | Phoenix, AZ)
Bubba Frazier (5-8, 177 | Savannah, GA)
Brayden Robinson (5-8, 164 | Red Oak, TX)
This receiver group is all about diversity in skill sets.
Faison and Fitzgerald bring length and catch radius, while Finley is a physical route-runner who can win in traffic. Frazier and Robinson are smaller, quicker weapons who can stretch the field horizontally and vertically.
There’s a lot to like here, especially with how Notre Dame has been evolving its passing game.
Tight Ends: Classic Notre Dame Strength
Preston Fryzel (6-4, 220 | Toledo, OH)
Ian Premer (6-6, 235 | Great Bend, KS)
Notre Dame continues its tradition of stockpiling tight end talent. Fryzel is a smooth route-runner with reliable hands, while Premer is a towering presence who can develop into a matchup nightmare.
Both fit the mold of complete tight ends who can contribute in the pass game and hold up as blockers.
Offensive Line: Big Bodies, Big Potential
Sullivan Garvin (6-5, 314 | Allegan, MI)
Grayson McKeough (6-8, 300 | Wyndmoor, PA)
Tyler Merrill (6-5, 330 | Mechanicsburg, PA)
Ben Nichols (6-5, 320 | Davison, MI)
Gregory Patrick (6-5, 275 | Portage, MI)
Charlie Thom (6-7, 275 | Avon, CT)
This is a monster haul up front. The Irish landed six linemen with prototypical size and plenty of upside.
McKeough and Thom bring elite length, while Merrill and Nichols are already built like Big Ten veterans. This group gives Notre Dame a strong foundation for the future-and a lot of flexibility in how they build their front five.
Defensive Line: Power in the Trenches
Rodney Dunham (6-4, 225 | Charlotte, NC)
Ebenezer Ewetade (6-4, 211 | Garner, NC)
Elijah Golden (6-4, 270 | Sarasota, FL)
Tiki Hola (6-3, 305 | Bastrop, TX)
Dunham and Ewetade bring athleticism off the edge, with length and burst that could translate into serious pass-rushing threats. Inside, Golden and Hola offer contrasting styles-Golden is a quick-twitch disruptor, while Hola brings a wide, powerful frame that can anchor against the run.
It’s a well-rounded group that can grow into a disruptive unit.
Linebackers: Sideline-to-Sideline Speed
Jakobe Clapper (6-2, 220 | Cincinnati, OH)
**Thomas Davis Jr.
(6-2, 218 | Matthews, NC)**
Both Clapper and Davis Jr. bring range and physicality.
They read plays quickly and close even faster. In today’s college game, where linebackers have to cover as much ground as ever, these two fit the modern mold.
Secondary: Length, Versatility, and Instincts
Safeties:
- Joey O'Brien (6-4, 190 | Wyndmoor, PA)
- Nick Reddish (5-10, 185 | Charlotte, NC)
Cornerbacks:
- Khary Adams (6-1, 185 | Baltimore, MD)
- Ayden Pouncey (6-3, 179 | Winter Park, FL)
- Chaston Smith (6-0, 169 | Chattanooga, TN)
O’Brien is a rare 6-4 safety with range and ball skills, while Reddish brings a compact frame and downhill aggression. At corner, Notre Dame focused on length-Adams and Pouncey both have the size to battle big receivers, and Smith adds quickness and coverage instincts. This is a secondary built to match up with the best in the country.
Recruiting Class Snapshot
- Total Commits: 27
- Offense: 16
- Defense: 11
- States Represented: 13
- Top States: Florida (4), North Carolina (4), Texas (4), Michigan (3), Pennsylvania (3)
Staying Power and Buy-In
One of the most impressive aspects of this class? Stability.
After the final commitment came in on August 9, Notre Dame didn’t lose a single pledge. No decommitments, no last-minute visits elsewhere.
That speaks volumes about the job Freeman and his staff did not just in recruiting talent-but in recruiting belief. These players are all-in on what Notre Dame is building.
Where the Class Ranks Nationally
This group is earning national respect across the board:
- On3/Rivals: No. 1
- On3/Rivals Industry Composite: No. 2
- ESPN: No. 4
- 247Sports: No. 5
- 247Sports Composite: No. 3
It’s Notre Dame’s highest-rated class since 2008 and a clear sign that Freeman is turning recruiting momentum into results.
Final Thoughts
This class is more than just a collection of stars and rankings. It’s a reflection of a program that knows what it wants-and is going out and getting it.
Marcus Freeman and his staff built this group with purpose, and it shows. The Irish hit every position with quality and depth, and they did it early, with strong commitments that held firm through Signing Day.
If this class develops the way it looks on paper, it could be the foundation for something special in South Bend.