Teddy Jarrard’s Reclassification Gives Notre Dame a Major Boost - Now and for the NFL Future
When Notre Dame quarterback commit Teddy Jarrard made the decision to reclassify from the 2027 class to 2026, it wasn’t just a footnote in the recruiting cycle - it was a move that could reshape the trajectory of his career and the Irish quarterback room. It’s a win across the board, especially when you consider what this does for his long-term development and NFL potential.
Let’s start with the big picture: Jarrard’s reclassification puts him on a faster track to the NFL, and that’s not just speculation - that’s the evaluation from talent analysts who make a living projecting pro potential. According to ESPN, Jarrard has the most “NFL upside” of any quarterback in the 2026 class. Yes, that includes his new teammate Noah Grubbs, who was the first QB commit for Notre Dame in that cycle.
That kind of praise isn’t handed out lightly. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Jarrard already checks the physical boxes.
He’s got the frame scouts love - tall enough to see over the line, lean but with plenty of room to add muscle once he gets into a college strength program. He’s not a finished product, but that’s the point.
There’s a clear roadmap for growth, and he’s starting from a strong foundation.
But it’s not just about size. What separates Jarrard is how he carries himself on the field.
He’s poised, he’s prepared, and he plays with a confidence that turns heads in both practices and games. ESPN even drew comparisons between his physical tools and those of USC’s Jayden Maiava - a rising star in his own right.
That’s high praise, and it speaks to the kind of ceiling Jarrard is working with.
His arm strength is already solid, but there’s belief it could evolve into a real weapon. As he fills out his frame and continues to refine his mechanics, he could make the leap from “good” to “elite” in that department. He’s also more athletic than he gets credit for - not a run-first QB, but mobile enough to extend plays and make things happen when the pocket breaks down.
Sound familiar? That’s because his projected development path mirrors that of CJ Carr, another highly touted Notre Dame quarterback.
Like Carr, Jarrard isn’t in a rush to be the guy from day one. He’s willing to be patient, learn the system, and wait for the right moment to step in.
That kind of maturity - especially from a reclassified prospect - is rare.
There was a brief moment of uncertainty a few weeks back when it wasn’t clear if Jarrard would stick with Notre Dame. Because of his reclassification, he won’t officially sign until Wednesday. But the Irish coaching staff stayed on it, and it looks like their persistence is about to pay off.
When Jarrard signs, he’ll join a quarterback room that’s quietly becoming one of the most talented - and intriguing - in the country. Between CJ Carr, Jarrard, Noah Grubbs, and redshirt freshman Blake Hebert, Notre Dame is building something real at the most important position on the field.
Yes, it’s a young group. But it’s also stacked with upside, and that’s the kind of foundation that can carry a program for years.
In a college football landscape where quarterback depth is more valuable than ever, Notre Dame isn’t just keeping up - they’re getting ahead. And Teddy Jarrard might end up being the crown jewel of that effort.