**Notre Dame Strikes in Big Ten Country as Wisconsin’s Top 2026 Safety Target Nick Reddish Commits to the Fighting Irish**
The recruiting battle for elite high school talent is relentless, and Notre Dame just delivered a major blow to one of the Big Ten’s rising powers. Nick Reddish, a highly coveted safety prospect in the 2026 class and a top target for the Wisconsin Badgers, has committed to the Fighting Irish, marking a significant victory for Marcus Freeman’s program. The decision not only strengthens Notre Dame’s future secondary but also underscores the program’s ability to pluck top talent from traditional Big Ten recruiting strongholds.
Reddish, a 6’2”, 190-pound defensive back from Brookfield, Wisconsin, had been a priority for the Badgers since early in his recruitment. With his combination of size, speed, and instincts, he was viewed as a potential cornerstone of Wisconsin’s defense in the coming years. However, Notre Dame’s relentless pursuit, combined with its storied tradition and developmental track record, ultimately won him over.
For Wisconsin, losing a local star of Reddish’s caliber stings. The Badgers have made significant strides under head coach Luke Fickell, particularly in recruiting, where they’ve aimed to keep top in-state prospects home while expanding their reach nationally. Reddish was seen as a key piece of that vision—a player who could anchor the secondary and set the tone for future recruiting wins. His commitment to Notre Dame is a reminder of the challenges programs like Wisconsin face when going head-to-head with college football’s blue bloods.
For Notre Dame, this is another example of Freeman’s recruiting prowess paying off. Since taking over as head coach, Freeman has emphasized national recruiting, targeting elite prospects regardless of geography. The Irish have long recruited well in the Midwest, but pulling a player like Reddish out of Wisconsin—a state the Badgers typically dominate—signals Notre Dame’s expanding footprint. It also reinforces the program’s ability to sell its unique combination of academic prestige, football tradition, and NFL development.
Reddish’s skill set makes him a perfect fit for Notre Dame’s defensive scheme. He possesses the length and physicality to match up against bigger receivers while also displaying the range and ball skills to thrive in coverage. His film shows a player with a high football IQ, rarely out of position and always around the ball. Whether playing deep safety, rolling down into the box, or matching up in man coverage, Reddish has the versatility that modern defenses covet.
Notre Dame’s coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Al Golden and safeties coach Chris O’Leary, played a crucial role in Reddish’s recruitment. Their track record of developing defensive backs—including recent standouts like Kyle Hamilton, Julian Love, and Cam Hart—resonated with the young prospect. Reddish has spoken openly about his desire to play in a system that maximizes his talents while preparing him for the next level, and Notre Dame’s defensive scheme, combined with its history of producing NFL defensive backs, made for a compelling pitch.
The commitment also speaks to the broader momentum Notre Dame is building in the 2026 class. While it’s still early in the cycle, landing a player of Reddish’s caliber sets the tone for what could be another top-10 recruiting haul. The Irish have already secured several high-profile pledges, and Reddish’s decision could help attract other elite defensive prospects looking to join a class with championship potential.
For Wisconsin, the focus now shifts to contingency plans. The Badgers have other talented safeties on their board, but replacing a player like Reddish won’t be easy. Fickell and his staff will need to double down on their remaining targets while also evaluating under-the-radar prospects who could develop into impact players. The battle for Midwest talent is only getting more competitive, and Wisconsin must prove it can win these high-stakes recruiting battles consistently if it wants to ascend into the Big Ten’s upper echelon.
From a national perspective, Reddish’s commitment is another example of Notre Dame’s ability to recruit at an elite level despite not being in a power conference. While the Irish remain independent in football, they continue to go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best programs for top-tier talent. Freeman’s relentless energy on the trail, combined with Notre Dame’s unmatched blend of academics and athletics, gives the Irish a unique edge in recruiting battles—even in regions dominated by traditional powerhouses.
Looking ahead, Reddish’s development will be something to monitor closely. If he continues on his current trajectory, he has the potential to be a multi-year starter in South Bend and a future NFL draft pick. His commitment not only bolsters Notre Dame’s 2026 class but also sends a message to the rest of college football: the Fighting Irish aren’t backing down from any recruiting fight, even in the heart of Big Ten country.
For Wisconsin, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s also a reminder of how difficult it is to keep local stars home when national powers come calling. For Notre Dame, it’s another recruiting victory that reinforces the program’s status as one of the nation’s premier destinations for elite defensive talent. As the 2026 cycle heats up, the battle for players like Nick Reddish will only intensify—and Notre Dame has made it clear it plans to be a major player in those fights.
