Chaston Smith, the highly-touted four-star cornerback commit for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s 2026 recruiting class, recently concluded his official visit to South Bend, and his thoughts on the experience are resonating deeply with the Notre Dame faithful.1 For Smith, the visit wasn’t just a formality; it was a profound affirmation of his decision, a chance to truly immerse himself in the environment he’s chosen for his collegiate career, and by all accounts, it solidified his feeling that Notre Dame truly feels like “home.”
Smith, who committed to Notre Dame in December 2024 over offers from a host of top programs including Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, LSU, and Texas A&M, has been a priority target for the Irish coaching staff, particularly defensive backs coach Mike Mickens.2 His official visit, which took place the weekend of June 13th, was a crucial step in building upon that strong relationship and showcasing the full breadth of the Notre Dame experience.
One of the most immediate takeaways from Smith’s visit was his impression of the football program’s competitive atmosphere. He got to witness the current players in practice, noting their high level of competition against one another. “They competed real well against one another,” Smith observed, highlighting the intensity and drive within the team. This is a vital observation for a prospective player, as it speaks to the daily standard of excellence that Head Coach Marcus Freeman and his staff are instilling. For a top recruit like Smith, seeing that competitive fire firsthand is often more impactful than any recruiting pitch.
A significant part of Smith’s visit focused on the defensive back room, an area where Notre Dame has seen considerable development under Coach Mickens. Smith paid close attention to how the defensive backs worked out, how they practiced, and, crucially, how Coach Mickens coached them. His assessment of Mickens was overwhelmingly positive. “Coach Mickens, he coaches them real well, teaches them great technique and teaches him how to play certain routes and breaks down certain things to them real well and makes it very understandable,” Smith commented. This speaks volumes about Mickens’ ability to not only identify talent but also to effectively teach and develop it. For a cornerback with NFL aspirations, a coach who can break down the nuances of the position and foster growth is paramount. Smith even went further, expressing a personal connection: “He’s just taken me in. I feel like I’m already one of his own, even though I’m not on campus yet. It just feels like I’m already one of his own. Me and him have a great relationship, funny relationship. He shows a little bit of tough love, which I like that.”3 This level of comfort and strong relationship with a position coach is often a deciding factor for recruits.
Beyond the technical aspects of football, Smith also made a point to pick the brains of current Notre Dame players. He spoke with them about the transition from high school to college, seeking advice on how to take things more seriously and what they would recommend for incoming freshmen. The feedback he received was direct and impactful: “Don’t take any plays off, just keep competing and always just work hard at everything you do,” they advised, adding a practical tip, “And always carry a notebook around.” This practical insight from players who have lived the experience provides invaluable perspective and validates the rigorous demands of a Notre Dame student-athlete. It also aligns perfectly with the “Iron Sharpens Iron” mentality that successful programs emphasize.
Smith’s meetings with the overall coaching staff were also highly productive. He described them as “real good,” emphasizing that “they were just letting me know this is the place to be and Notre Dame is more than just football and can help me with life after football.” This message, highlighting the long-term benefits of a Notre Dame education and network beyond the gridiron, is a consistent and powerful selling point for the Irish, particularly for recruits who understand the ephemeral nature of a professional football career.
A new face on the coaching staff also made a significant impression: new Irish defensive coordinator Chris Ash. Smith met Ash for the first time during his visit and immediately felt a connection. “Great first impression,” said Smith. “It felt right when I met Coach Ash. We clicked and just had an immediate connection when we first had a conversation. It felt like the right fit.” Building rapport with the new defensive coordinator is crucial, and Ash’s ability to quickly connect with a top defensive commit speaks well of his presence and communication skills.
Despite his firm commitment to Notre Dame, Smith acknowledges that other schools continue to pursue him heavily. While he finds the attention flattering, he maintains his focus. “I haven’t really talked about other schools with my family yet,” he stated. “We’ve just been focused on the future right now.” He also indicated no recent or planned visits to other institutions, signaling a strong resolve in his commitment. This unwavering focus is a testament to the comprehensive and compelling experience Notre Dame has provided him, even through just a few visits.
Smith’s transfer for his senior season from McCallie to Knoxville Catholic, bringing him closer to home where his mother is an administrator for Knox County Schools and his brother serves as Catholic’s cornerbacks coach, adds another layer to his personal journey.4 This move suggests a desire for family closeness while still competing at a high level, and it hasn’t deterred Notre Dame’s strong pursuit of him.
Ultimately, Chaston Smith’s reflections on his official visit to Notre Dame paint a picture of a recruit deeply comfortable and excited about his future. His sentiments – “It felt like home. Home. Great. It just feels like a dream knowing that I’m committed to Notre Dame and just what the legacy was before and what it is now. It just keeps building up knowing I can be a part of something great”5 – are powerful affirmations for the Notre Dame program. They demonstrate that the comprehensive approach to recruiting, focusing on genuine relationships, on-field development, and life after football, continues to resonate with elite talent like Chaston Smith, ensuring the Fighting Irish’s future remains bright.
