Notre Dame football remains committed to recruiting top legacy prospects, and that trend appears set to continue with the 2028 class
Notre Dame football has long prided itself on tradition, legacy, and continuity. From the echoes of Knute Rockne to the electric runs of Rocket Ismail, the Fighting Irish represent more than just a football program—they represent a culture steeped in history, values, and familial connection. Nowhere is that connection more evident than in the program’s persistent dedication to legacy recruiting, a trend that has become a defining part of its approach on the recruiting trail. As the 2028 recruiting class begins to take shape, all indications suggest that Notre Dame will continue to emphasize this strategy, cultivating relationships with the sons, nephews, and younger brothers of former Irish greats.
Legacy recruiting is not just a sentimental endeavor for Notre Dame—it’s a strategic one. The benefits of pursuing prospects with family ties to the program are multifaceted. Legacy recruits grow up immersed in the culture of Notre Dame football. They’ve visited campus more times than they can count, they’re familiar with the traditions and expectations, and many times, they’ve been wearing blue and gold since they could walk. There’s often a built-in emotional connection and sense of pride in donning the same uniform as their fathers or brothers. This emotional pull can be a powerful tool in a fiercely competitive recruiting landscape.
But the draw of legacy recruiting goes beyond emotion. Notre Dame understands that many legacy prospects are not only familiar with the culture—they’re also highly coachable and prepared for the high academic and athletic standards expected in South Bend. Their relatives often serve as de facto mentors, preparing them early for the rigors of being a student-athlete at Notre Dame. The coaching staff recognizes that these athletes often come with less need for adjustment and are more likely to stay committed once they arrive. Continuity and retention, in a college football era increasingly marked by transfers and decommitments, are more valuable than ever.
In recent years, Notre Dame has had considerable success with legacy recruits. From players like Jaylon Smith’s younger brother Rodrick to the sons of former Irish stars who have committed or enrolled in the past decade, the program has found that legacy ties often lead to high-level talent with a deep sense of loyalty to the institution. The 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes each featured at least one legacy commitment, and those prospects have often become early contributors or influential voices in the locker room. For Notre Dame, legacy recruiting has not just been a way to honor the past—it’s been a viable method to secure its future.
As attention turns to the 2028 class, whispers around the recruiting landscape already suggest that several legacy names are emerging as potential targets. Notre Dame’s coaching staff, under head coach Marcus Freeman, has made no secret of their desire to build strong personal relationships with families, particularly those already intertwined with the program’s history. Freeman, a former player himself with a deep appreciation for tradition, understands that legacy recruiting doesn’t mean settling for sentimental picks. Instead, it’s about reinforcing the foundation of the program with players who have both the talent and the deep-rooted commitment to Notre Dame’s ethos.
Some of these potential 2028 legacy prospects are already beginning to garner national attention. High school underclassmen with last names familiar to Notre Dame fans are popping up in early recruiting conversations, camps, and 7-on-7 showcases. While it’s far too early for most of these players to make formal commitments, the fact that Notre Dame is among the first to contact them is telling. In many cases, the connection has already been made—whether through unofficial visits, conversations with coaching staff, or even informal mentorship from current and former Irish players. These early touchpoints are crucial, especially when a recruit might have options at powerhouse programs across the country.
Notre Dame’s national recruiting footprint means that legacy prospects don’t necessarily have to hail from Indiana or even the Midwest. The program has legacy ties in California, Texas, Florida, and other recruiting hotbeds, giving the Irish a unique angle in states that are traditionally difficult to pull elite prospects from. When a player grows up hearing stories about Notre Dame, watching their parent’s old highlight reels, and visiting the campus for football weekends, the school often holds a special place in their heart—even if they’re thousands of miles away. The emotional pull can give Notre Dame an edge over regional powers that might otherwise dominate recruitment in those areas.
Still, Notre Dame does not rely on legacy status alone to extend offers. The coaching staff remains committed to a thorough evaluation process, and legacy prospects must prove they belong among the nation’s elite to earn a spot in South Bend. This balance of honoring tradition while maintaining high standards is a tightrope walk, but one the Irish have managed well. For every legacy player who receives an offer, there are others who are politely told they must continue developing. The program’s commitment to excellence ensures that the uniform is not handed out based on bloodlines alone. Instead, it’s a recognition of both talent and tradition—a powerful combination when wielded correctly.
What’s more, the presence of legacy recruits in the locker room has a ripple effect. These players often act as cultural anchors, helping reinforce the values that define Notre Dame football. They arrive already understanding the expectations, the rituals, and the weight of the gold helmet. This cultural fluency can be invaluable in building team cohesion and maintaining a strong identity amidst the ever-shifting landscape of modern college football. Legacy players are often among the most vocal leaders, not just because of their pedigree, but because they take personal pride in upholding a family tradition. This sense of stewardship is difficult to replicate with outside recruits, no matter how talented they may be.
The emphasis on legacy recruiting also speaks to Notre Dame’s broader mission. The university prides itself on being more than a football factory. It aims to develop young men who embody leadership, integrity, and service—ideals that often resonate deeply within families that have already passed through the Golden Dome. By prioritizing relationships over transactions, and long-term development over short-term gains, Notre Dame continues to cultivate a unique niche in the world of college football. Legacy recruiting fits naturally into this paradigm, reinforcing the idea that playing for Notre Dame is about becoming part of something larger than oneself.
This philosophy is especially important in an age when the college football landscape is more transactional than ever. The transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, and rapidly shifting conference alignments have introduced a level of instability and mercenary mentality that many programs struggle to manage. Notre Dame, with its independent status and long-standing emphasis on identity and tradition, remains somewhat insulated from these trends. By doubling down on legacy recruits—who are more likely to be invested in the program for reasons beyond personal branding or short-term glory—the Irish can maintain a sense of continuity and cultural integrity.
As the 2028 cycle begins to pick up steam, Notre Dame is clearly positioning itself to once again lean into this legacy-centric approach. While other programs may chase the next five-star with little regard for fit or long-term alignment, the Irish are building something more durable. They’re investing in players who understand what it means to wear the blue and gold—not just because they’ve been told, but because they’ve lived it. These players are not just the sons and nephews of former stars—they’re future leaders, cultural touchstones, and ambassadors of the Notre Dame way.
The challenges, of course, remain. Notre Dame still must compete with programs that have seemingly limitless NIL resources, flashier facilities, and more lenient academic requirements. Legacy or not, every top recruit today is bombarded with offers, perks, and promises. Convincing them to choose a path that demands more—academically, spiritually, and athletically—is not easy. But the staff at Notre Dame believes that for the right families, the pitch sells itself. The chance to continue a legacy, to become part of a multigenerational story, and to earn a degree from one of the world’s leading universities is a powerful draw—one that no amount of money can replicate.
Ultimately, Notre Dame’s continued commitment to legacy recruiting in the 2028 class is both a reflection of its values and a strategic response to a changing landscape. By blending tradition with innovation, loyalty with competitiveness, the program is crafting a blueprint for sustained excellence. In a sport that so often rewards the new and the now, Notre Dame’s embrace of its past may be its greatest advantage for the future. The faces may change, but the legacy endures—and that legacy, as always, remains one of Notre Dame’s strongest recruiting tools.
