Here’s what we know about Charlie Thom and his commitment to Notre Dame, along with a deep dive into how his presence might influence the program’s trajectory

Charlie Thom is a 6-foot-7, 275-pound offensive lineman who’s making waves after being a standout tight end and split end at Darien High School and then transitioning to the OL at Avon Old Farms. After his senior year, Thom reclassified from the class of 2025 to the 2026 recruiting class to focus on mastering the offensive line position and enhancing his academic profile

• Position shift & growth: Initially recruited as a TE, Thom shifted to OT and dove into prep-polishing at Avon Old Farms, using the extra year to add strength and technique .
• Recruiting spotlight: His move earned him at least 18 FBS offers, including interest from Nebraska, Syracuse, Wake Forest, UConn, Virginia Tech, Buffalo, James Madison, Liberty, Dartmouth, and Delaware Dame has long built its identity on stockpiling and developing offensive line talent. The Irish OL room is historically deep and dominated by players who become key contributors early in their careers. Here’s how Charlie fits:

1. System fit
   ND seeks length, athleticism, and technical versatility in its tackles (e.g., Will Black, Owen Strebig, Matty Augustine), and Thom shares that profile—standing 6′7″ with elite footwork and strength—making him a natural fitDevelopment pipeline
   Recruiters know ND’s staff, led by Joe Rudolph, develops OL talent methodically. Inside threads call it “O‑Line University”—a system stocked with layering of elite rec prospects and experienced depth
2. Position depth & competition
   With internal transfers and early enrollee turnover, the Irish keep refreshing their pipeline. Thom adds to a deep roster of tackles and provides more competition—crucial in a unit with minimal rotation). Notre Dame also recruits aggressively at interior OL (e.g., Cameron Herron, Tyler Merrill, Gregory Patrick) to build a whole-unit system

Notre Dame’s 2025 and 2026 classes carry impressive depth. Here’s how Thom slots in:

• Immediate runway: Upon arrival (likely early 2026), Thom joins a room with rising stars like Will Black (5-star 2025 signee) and Matty Augustine (
• Tactical access: He’ll train under Rudolph, whose track record shows freshmen and sophomores earning meaningful snaps — key, given OL rarely rotates
• Run/pass balance: ND prioritizes linemen who dominate the run and pivot in space. Thom’s size and athletic profile align, offering potential for both forms of offense

Analysts rank the OL 2025 class A‑ in Athlon Sports and they expect Thom’s class to continue that trend. He’s a capstone to a smartly assembled line that pairs physicality and scheme fit .

Here’s an updated look at where Thom could fit in the 2026 OL pecking order:

That chart shows Thom entering a unit known for playing with cohesion—5 veterans return, a hallmark of ND’s “next man up” O-line philosophy (

• 2026 freshman year: Likely redshirt or special teams/study role.
• 2027–2028: Depending on departures, he’ll compete for starting tackle, potentially as a right tackle to complement Black or Jagusah.
• Beyond: If he develops, Thom could become a multi-year starting fixture in the trenches—on pace to continue ND’s NFL pipeline.

1. Run game identity
   ND’s offense leans heavily on the run, requiring powerful blockers. Thom, built for that physical interior, enhances their ground dominance strategy.
2. Pass protection upswing
   The Irish line must protect pocket architects. Thom’s length and growing technique add to ND’s ability to execute multiple-personnel pass sets.
3. Sustaining depth
   OL units survive attrition through replacement. Thom continues ND’s tradition of replenishing trenches early—vital for injury protection and transfer cycles

• Lincoln-Recruit Narrative: Notre Dame promotes itself as not only Fowler’s academic-meets-athlete model, but as a perpetual OL factory—a message reinforced by each prep star like Thom.
• Recruiting ripple effect: High-profile OL recruits follow peers. Thom’s commitment adds momentum, possibly attracting more top-tier linemen.
• Fan & staff morale: Content on Irish message boards highlights that OL depth is a good problem to have—transfers gush about “O-Line University” .
• Transition no gimme: Shift from prep to college OL carries a learning curve. Thom has strength and size but must master technique under pressure.
• Competition overload: ND’s OL room prioritizes performance. Even current players redshirt or transfer when blocked, so Thom must continue ascending to earn role.
• Time-to-start: High reward comes late. He may not see the field until 2027, and starting job depends on departures and performance.

Charlie Thom’s commitment to Notre Dame OL brings:

• A high-ceiling athlete built for ND’s power run/pass schemes.
• A fit in ND’s OL pipeline—trench depth, developmental stretch, and academic culture.
• A symbol of ND’s recruiting momentum and brand identity around O-line excellence.

In short, Thom isn’t just another commit; he continues ND’s blueprint of stockpiling long-term OL talent that wins championships, produces NFL players, and sustains depth. His growth at Avon Old Farms shows his grit and commitment. Now begins the journey: refining technique, proving in camps, winning a rosters spot, and – eventually – stepping onto the field to protect the Irish’s next generation of quarterbacks and running backs.