The Notre Dame Fighting Irish continue to build one of the most storied traditions in college football with a 2026 recruiting class that demonstrates both depth and elite-level talent. Under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s approach has balanced old-school toughness with modern explosiveness, and the current commitments reflect that evolving identity. While the class is still in progress and subject to the twists and turns of the recruiting cycle, the 2026 group already provides plenty of reason for Irish fans to be optimistic about the program’s trajectory.

At the core of this class is an emphasis on the trenches. Notre Dame is a program that has long prided itself on strong offensive line play, and 2026 looks to continue that trend. Offensive tackle Owen Strebig is one of the headliners. At 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, the Waukesha, Wisconsin native has elite size and the frame to add more mass without sacrificing mobility. His footwork and ability to mirror pass rushers are advanced for his age, and he projects as a future cornerstone left tackle in South Bend. Strebig isn’t just a physical presence; he brings a technical polish that comes from high-level coaching and an apparent willingness to be coached. He represents the prototype of what Notre Dame looks for in linemen—big, physical, intelligent, and fundamentally sound.

Joining Strebig in the offensive line group is Jack Hines out of Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. Hines plays with a nasty streak and shows good versatility, capable of playing either guard or tackle. His tape reveals a player who finishes blocks with authority and plays with the kind of edge offensive line coach Joe Rudolph loves to cultivate. He may not have Strebig’s elite size, but his technique and motor make him one of the most valuable linemen in the class.

The offensive skill positions are also shaping up nicely, especially at quarterback. Noah Grubbs, a standout from Florida’s Lake Mary High School, committed early and has emerged as one of the most promising signal-callers in the 2026 cycle. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Grubbs combines prototypical size with a strong arm and plus athleticism. He’s a confident thrower who’s comfortable making all the necessary throws—deep shots, tight-window lasers, and off-platform passes under pressure. What makes him particularly appealing to the Notre Dame staff is his maturity. Grubbs has shown poise beyond his years and a deep understanding of defensive schemes. He’s also vocal about his commitment to building the class, actively recruiting other top-tier prospects to join him in South Bend.

Complementing Grubbs in the backfield is running back Deuce Knight, a dynamic playmaker from Mississippi. Knight, who also possesses quarterback experience, offers electric athleticism and position flexibility. While there’s debate about where he’ll ultimately play, the staff sees his speed, vision, and open-field elusiveness as assets that can be deployed in a variety of ways—perhaps in a hybrid role similar to what elite programs have done with their most versatile athletes. His skill set gives Notre Dame the option to get creative on offense, and his presence will force opposing defenses to account for him on every snap.

At wide receiver, the Irish have landed a pair of exciting playmakers who fit the mold of modern collegiate wideouts—long, fast, and sure-handed. Elijah Burress, the son of former NFL star Plaxico Burress, brings a pedigree that immediately catches attention. He’s not just a legacy name; he’s a true talent. Standing 6-foot-2 with excellent body control and reliable hands, Burress excels in contested catch situations and has a knack for getting open against both man and zone coverage. His ability to win at the line of scrimmage and maintain focus through contact makes him a red-zone weapon and a dependable third-down target. The younger Burress has also demonstrated leadership qualities, often praising the coaching staff and his fellow commits, helping to establish a strong culture within the class.

Another wide receiver worth highlighting is Shaun Terry Jr., a speedster from Ohio who brings game-breaking potential to the Irish. Terry is the kind of receiver who can take a quick slant and turn it into a 70-yard touchdown. His straight-line speed and suddenness in and out of breaks make him a nightmare for defenders in space. He also brings value in the return game, something that Notre Dame has looked to bolster in recent years. While still developing as a route-runner, Terry’s upside is undeniable, and he could be a game-changer with some refinement and coaching.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Fighting Irish have also done an excellent job building a class that reflects Freeman’s aggressive, attacking philosophy. At defensive end, Christopher Burgess Jr. headlines the group with elite pass-rushing tools. The Chicago native plays with a relentless motor and quick hands, constantly disrupting backfields and commanding double-teams. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, he has room to grow into an every-down defensive end at the collegiate level. His blend of power and finesse—along with a solid football IQ—makes him one of the more exciting defensive recruits in recent Irish memory.

Defensive tackle Julian Lewis is another high-impact addition. Out of California, Lewis brings the size (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) and technique needed to clog running lanes and collapse pockets from the interior. His hands are violent, and his pad level stays low, giving him an edge against taller linemen. Lewis projects as a classic three-technique defensive tackle, with the ability to contribute early thanks to his strength and readiness.

Linebacker recruiting remains a strength for Notre Dame, and the 2026 class continues that trend. The jewel of the group so far is Luke Reynolds, a hard-hitting and instinctual linebacker from Pennsylvania. Reynolds reads plays quickly and doesn’t hesitate to shoot gaps, often meeting ball carriers in the backfield. He’s a sure tackler with sideline-to-sideline range and enough versatility to play multiple linebacker spots depending on the defensive alignment. Freeman, a former linebacker himself, has made it clear that he wants fast, physical, and smart players at the second level, and Reynolds fits that mold to perfection.

In the secondary, the Irish have secured a commitment from talented cornerback Dallas Golden. A fluid athlete with excellent ball skills and long arms, Golden can match up with the best receivers in the country. His hips are smooth in transition, and he rarely loses track of his assignment. What separates Golden is his instincts—he’s able to jump routes and make plays on the ball without taking unnecessary risks. He’s also a willing tackler, which adds to his value in run support. Notre Dame’s defensive backfield has steadily improved over the years, and Golden should be an anchor for that unit moving forward.

Safety recruiting has also received a boost with the commitment of Ivan Taylor, another high-ceiling defensive back with elite closing speed and football smarts. Taylor has the versatility to play as a deep safety, box defender, or even in slot coverage if needed. His physicality and anticipation make him a natural leader in the secondary, and his presence will help Notre Dame maintain the kind of defensive balance that Freeman emphasizes.

As with any recruiting class, perhaps the most underrated element is the cohesion among the players themselves. The 2026 commits have already demonstrated a strong sense of camaraderie, often engaging with one another on social media and publicly affirming their commitment to the Notre Dame program. That kind of peer-to-peer recruiting and mutual support can’t be overstated—it creates a foundation of accountability and trust that often translates into on-field success.

The coaching staff deserves plenty of credit, too. Marcus Freeman and his team have approached this class with strategic intent, targeting players who not only possess elite athletic traits but also fit the culture and values of Notre Dame. From academics to character to community involvement, the 2026 group checks all the boxes. The Irish aren’t just chasing stars; they’re building a sustainable foundation of excellence, and this class appears poised to contribute meaningfully to that vision.

As National Signing Day approaches, there will surely be more twists—flips, decommitments, late additions. But even as it stands now, the 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the best in the Freeman era. With a quarterback who looks like a future leader, dominant trench players on both sides of the ball, versatile skill athletes, and a hungry, athletic defense, the Fighting Irish are reloading with purpose. The road back to the College Football Playoff is paved not just with hope, but with concrete building blocks—and the 2026 class may be the cornerstone of Notre Dame’s next great team.

. Under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s approach has balanced old-school toughness with modern explosiveness, and the current commitments reflect that evolving identity. While the class is still in progress and subject to the twists and turns of the recruiting cycle, the 2026 group already provides plenty of reason for Irish fans to be optimistic about the program’s trajectory.

At the core of this class is an emphasis on the trenches. Notre Dame is a program that has long prided itself on strong offensive line play, and 2026 looks to continue that trend. Offensive tackle Owen Strebig is one of the headliners. At 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, the Waukesha, Wisconsin native has elite size and the frame to add more mass without sacrificing mobility. His footwork and ability to mirror pass rushers are advanced for his age, and he projects as a future cornerstone left tackle in South Bend. Strebig isn’t just a physical presence; he brings a technical polish that comes from high-level coaching and an apparent willingness to be coached. He represents the prototype of what Notre Dame looks for in linemen—big, physical, intelligent, and fundamentally sound.

Joining Strebig in the offensive line group is Jack Hines out of Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. Hines plays with a nasty streak and shows good versatility, capable of playing either guard or tackle. His tape reveals a player who finishes blocks with authority and plays with the kind of edge offensive line coach Joe Rudolph loves to cultivate. He may not have Strebig’s elite size, but his technique and motor make him one of the most valuable linemen in the class.

The offensive skill positions are also shaping up nicely, especially at quarterback. Noah Grubbs, a standout from Florida’s Lake Mary High School, committed early and has emerged as one of the most promising signal-callers in the 2026 cycle. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Grubbs combines prototypical size with a strong arm and plus athleticism. He’s a confident thrower who’s comfortable making all the necessary throws—deep shots, tight-window lasers, and off-platform passes under pressure. What makes him particularly appealing to the Notre Dame staff is his maturity. Grubbs has shown poise beyond his years and a deep understanding of defensive schemes. He’s also vocal about his commitment to building the class, actively recruiting other top-tier prospects to join him in South Bend.

Complementing Grubbs in the backfield is running back Deuce Knight, a dynamic playmaker from Mississippi. Knight, who also possesses quarterback experience, offers electric athleticism and position flexibility. While there’s debate about where he’ll ultimately play, the staff sees his speed, vision, and open-field elusiveness as assets that can be deployed in a variety of ways—perhaps in a hybrid role similar to what elite programs have done with their most versatile athletes. His skill set gives Notre Dame the option to get creative on offense, and his presence will force opposing defenses to account for him on every snap.

At wide receiver, the Irish have landed a pair of exciting playmakers who fit the mold of modern collegiate wideouts—long, fast, and sure-handed. Elijah Burress, the son of former NFL star Plaxico Burress, brings a pedigree that immediately catches attention. He’s not just a legacy name; he’s a true talent. Standing 6-foot-2 with excellent body control and reliable hands, Burress excels in contested catch situations and has a knack for getting open against both man and zone coverage. His ability to win at the line of scrimmage and maintain focus through contact makes him a red-zone weapon and a dependable third-down target. The younger Burress has also demonstrated leadership qualities, often praising the coaching staff and his fellow commits, helping to establish a strong culture within the class.

Another wide receiver worth highlighting is Shaun Terry Jr., a speedster from Ohio who brings game-breaking potential to the Irish. Terry is the kind of receiver who can take a quick slant and turn it into a 70-yard touchdown. His straight-line speed and suddenness in and out of breaks make him a nightmare for defenders in space. He also brings value in the return game, something that Notre Dame has looked to bolster in recent years. While still developing as a route-runner, Terry’s upside is undeniable, and he could be a game-changer with some refinement and coaching.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Fighting Irish have also done an excellent job building a class that reflects Freeman’s aggressive, attacking philosophy. At defensive end, Christopher Burgess Jr. headlines the group with elite pass-rushing tools. The Chicago native plays with a relentless motor and quick hands, constantly disrupting backfields and commanding double-teams. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, he has room to grow into an every-down defensive end at the collegiate level. His blend of power and finesse—along with a solid football IQ—makes him one of the more exciting defensive recruits in recent Irish memory.

Defensive tackle Julian Lewis is another high-impact addition. Out of California, Lewis brings the size (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) and technique needed to clog running lanes and collapse pockets from the interior. His hands are violent, and his pad level stays low, giving him an edge against taller linemen. Lewis projects as a classic three-technique defensive tackle, with the ability to contribute early thanks to his strength and readiness.

Linebacker recruiting remains a strength for Notre Dame, and the 2026 class continues that trend. The jewel of the group so far is Luke Reynolds, a hard-hitting and instinctual linebacker from Pennsylvania. Reynolds reads plays quickly and doesn’t hesitate to shoot gaps, often meeting ball carriers in the backfield. He’s a sure tackler with sideline-to-sideline range and enough versatility to play multiple linebacker spots depending on the defensive alignment. Freeman, a former linebacker himself, has made it clear that he wants fast, physical, and smart players at the second level, and Reynolds fits that mold to perfection.

In the secondary, the Irish have secured a commitment from talented cornerback Dallas Golden. A fluid athlete with excellent ball skills and long arms, Golden can match up with the best receivers in the country. His hips are smooth in transition, and he rarely loses track of his assignment. What separates Golden is his instincts—he’s able to jump routes and make plays on the ball without taking unnecessary risks. He’s also a willing tackler, which adds to his value in run support. Notre Dame’s defensive backfield has steadily improved over the years, and Golden should be an anchor for that unit moving forward.

Safety recruiting has also received a boost with the commitment of Ivan Taylor, another high-ceiling defensive back with elite closing speed and football smarts. Taylor has the versatility to play as a deep safety, box defender, or even in slot coverage if needed. His physicality and anticipation make him a natural leader in the secondary, and his presence will help Notre Dame maintain the kind of defensive balance that Freeman emphasizes.

As with any recruiting class, perhaps the most underrated element is the cohesion among the players themselves. The 2026 commits have already demonstrated a strong sense of camaraderie, often engaging with one another on social media and publicly affirming their commitment to the Notre Dame program. That kind of peer-to-peer recruiting and mutual support can’t be overstated—it creates a foundation of accountability and trust that often translates into on-field success.

The coaching staff deserves plenty of credit, too. Marcus Freeman and his team have approached this class with strategic intent, targeting players who not only possess elite athletic traits but also fit the culture and values of Notre Dame. From academics to character to community involvement, the 2026 group checks all the boxes. The Irish aren’t just chasing stars; they’re building a sustainable foundation of excellence, and this class appears poised to contribute meaningfully to that vision.

As National Signing Day approaches, there will surely be more twists—flips, decommitments, late additions. But even as it stands now, the 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the best in the Freeman era. With a quarterback who looks like a future leader, dominant trench players on both sides of the ball, versatile skill athletes, and a hungry, athletic defense, the Fighting Irish are reloading with purpose. The road back to the College Football Playoff is paved not just with hope, but with concrete building blocks—and the 2026 class may be the cornerstone of Notre Dame’s next great team.