The remarkable recruiting hot streak for Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish continues unabated, as the program secured another crucial piece for its burgeoning 2026 football class. Preston Fryzel, a talented three-star tight end from Toledo Central Catholic High School in Ohio, has officially committed to Notre Dame. This pledge, announced on Monday, June 23, 2025, further solidifies what is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s premier recruiting hauls for the current cycle.
Fryzel’s commitment adds significant depth and versatility to the Irish offense, particularly at a position often revered in South Bend as “Tight End U.” While he may be rated as a three-star prospect by some services (e.g., No. 712 overall and No. 39 tight end by 247Sports Composite; No. 745 overall and No. 40 tight end by On3 Consensus), his recruitment was hotly contested, with Notre Dame fending off strong pushes from fellow tight end powerhouses Iowa and Miami, as well as other notable programs like Wisconsin, Auburn, and Louisville. The fact that Fryzel chose Notre Dame over two other schools consistently in the “Tight End U” conversation speaks volumes about the appeal of the Irish program and the vision presented by offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Mike Denbrock.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Fryzel brings a promising blend of size and athleticism to the tight end position. His junior season at Toledo Central Catholic showcased his capabilities as a dynamic pass-catcher, where he recorded 43 receptions for 807 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 18.8 yards per catch. These statistics highlight his ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and be a significant threat in the red zone.
What stands out about Fryzel’s game, according to scouting reports and his own assessment, is his receiving prowess. He’s described as a “receiving tight end,” a mismatch nightmare who can line up in the slot or out wide, essentially playing as a big wide receiver. He possesses good burst off the line, the ability to quickly eat up space as a route runner, and impressive ball skills, including strong hands and excellent body control. While his blocking will be an area for development at the collegiate level, his natural pass-catching abilities are considered top-notch, leading some to draw comparisons to former Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert due to his blend of size and athleticism as a pass-catcher.
Fryzel’s recruitment by Notre Dame was a relatively swift and decisive affair. The Irish extended an offer to him on May 21, 2025, after General Manager Mike Martin visited one of Fryzel’s baseball practices. Despite being a later offer compared to some other programs, Notre Dame quickly made him a priority. Fryzel wasted no time in making his way to South Bend, embarking on an unofficial visit on June 4, just days after spending time at Miami. This initial visit left a strong impression, so much so that he swiftly scheduled an official visit for the weekend of June 13-15.
It was during this official visit that Fryzel privately made his commitment to the Notre Dame coaching staff. His public announcement on June 23, 2025, merely confirmed what he had already decided. “Honestly, it just felt like home,” Fryzel told Blue & Gold before his public announcement. “It was different from every other visit I’ve been on. Every other visit I’ve been on, there was always that, ‘They were good, but…’ There was no ‘but’ for Notre Dame. It just felt right for me. It’s different.”
This sentiment of “feeling like home” is a recurring theme among Notre Dame commits and is a powerful testament to the culture Marcus Freeman and his staff have cultivated. Fryzel spent time with current tight ends like Eli Raridon and Jack Larsen, as well as fellow 2026 commits, noting how close the players were and how the program prepares athletes for “life after football” – a consistent selling point for the Irish.
Preston Fryzel’s commitment is highly significant for several reasons:
- First Tight End in the Class: Fryzel is the first tight end to commit to Notre Dame’s 2026 class. This is a crucial addition, as the tight end position is integral to Notre Dame’s offensive scheme, and the program often aims to take at least two tight ends in each cycle. His commitment provides a strong foundation for the tight end room’s future.
- “Tight End U” Pedigree: Despite being rated as a three-star, the fact that Fryzel was heavily pursued by Iowa and Miami, two other programs with strong claims to the “Tight End U” moniker, validates his potential. His skill set as a receiving tight end fits perfectly with the kind of versatile players Notre Dame has historically developed into NFL talent.
- Continued Recruiting Momentum: Fryzel’s pledge is the latest in a series of high-profile commitments for the 2026 class, following closely on the heels of four-star cornerback Khary Adams and four-star safety Joey O’Brien. This recent surge has propelled Notre Dame’s 2026 class to a top-two national ranking, demonstrating the sustained momentum Marcus Freeman has built on the recruiting trail.
- Ohio Pipeline: Fryzel hails from Toledo Central Catholic, the same high school that produced former Notre Dame starting quarterback DeShone Kizer. This commitment further strengthens Notre Dame’s recruiting pipeline in the state of Ohio, a crucial talent-rich region for the Irish.
- Blueprint for Denbrock’s Offense: With Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock leading the tight ends, Fryzel’s commitment offers a glimpse into the type of athletic, pass-catching tight ends Denbrock envisions for his dynamic offense. While Fryzel will need to develop his blocking, his receiving acumen suggests he could be a major weapon.
Notre Dame’s 2026 class now boasts 20 total commitments, a strong blue-chip ratio, and a balanced attack of talent across both sides of the ball. The addition of Preston Fryzel ensures that the “Tight End U” tradition remains alive and well, with a promising pass-catcher ready to grow and contribute to the Fighting Irish’s future success. His quick decision after his visits underscores the powerful draw of the Notre Dame experience and the effective recruiting strategy employed by Marcus Freeman’s staff.
