Notre Dame football has always been a national brand when it comes to recruiting, drawing interest from top talent across the country due to its storied history, academic prestige, and status as an independent powerhouse. With Marcus Freeman now at the helm, the Irish are not only maintaining their elite presence on the trail but also refining their recruiting identity with a more modern, player-focused approach. As the 2026 recruiting cycle heats up, the question on everyone’s mind in South Bend—and among Irish fans across the nation—is simple: who’s next?
The 2026 class is shaping up to be another foundational group for Freeman and his staff. With a strong emphasis on positional balance, cultural fit, and high-upside athleticism, Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy is focused and aggressive. The Irish already have a handful of early commitments, setting a tone that has resonated with blue-chip targets coast to coast. But as the summer official visit schedule ramps up and decision timelines begin to crystallize, momentum is building toward what could be a crucial next addition.
All signs point to a few key names who may be closest to pulling the trigger and joining the Irish fold. These are the prospects who have not only been on campus but have also built deep relationships with the coaching staff, seen a clear path to early playing time, and buy into the holistic vision Notre Dame offers. In a world where NIL deals and flash often dominate headlines, the Irish continue to sell tradition, legacy, and long-term value—and it’s working.
At the top of the list is four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, the younger brother of former Notre Dame star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. A standout at IMG Academy, Owusu-Boateng has drawn national interest thanks to his explosive playmaking ability and versatility. Notre Dame has long been considered a frontrunner for his services, and the familial ties only enhance that connection. While other schools such as Michigan, Penn State, and Georgia are in pursuit, there’s a growing belief that a commitment could come this summer, especially after a successful visit earlier this spring that reportedly “blew him away.” The Fighting Irish would love nothing more than to secure their linebacker of the future by locking in a legacy name with championship DNA.
Another name to watch closely is five-star offensive tackle Michael Carroll out of Pennsylvania. Carroll, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 305 pounds, is the type of mauling, high-upside lineman that Notre Dame has long thrived on developing. Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph has been in consistent contact with Carroll, and multiple sources indicate that the Irish are in excellent position to land his commitment—if not immediately, then certainly before the fall. The recruitment is shaping up to be a two-team race between Notre Dame and Ohio State, with the Irish banking on their long-standing tradition of producing NFL linemen to seal the deal. If Carroll pledges to the Irish, it would mark a major statement about Freeman’s ability to win head-to-head battles with Big Ten powerhouses.
Perhaps the biggest wildcard in the next commitment race is wide receiver Shaun Scott, a four-star speedster out of California. Scott has been somewhat under the radar compared to flashier names, but Notre Dame’s interest has been steady and intentional. With Chansi Stuckey spearheading wide receiver recruiting, the Irish have made a compelling case for Scott to be a cornerstone of their aerial attack. The fit is intriguing: Notre Dame needs dynamic receivers who can stretch the field and create separation, and Scott fits that mold perfectly. He’s expected to visit campus again in the next few weeks, and if that visit goes well, the Irish could pull off a surprise commitment from the West Coast.
On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback is a clear priority, and Notre Dame is in prime position with top-100 talent Dallas Golden out of Tampa, Florida. Golden has long had interest in Notre Dame, and the coaching staff has prioritized him in their secondary plans. Mike Mickens, the cornerbacks coach, has done an outstanding job building trust and showing Golden where he fits into the future of the Irish defense. Golden’s recruitment has been relatively quiet of late, but that may be by design. Several insiders believe that Notre Dame has quietly surged to the front of the pack and that a summer decision could be imminent.
Quarterback recruiting is always in the spotlight, and for Notre Dame, securing the right signal-caller in each cycle is essential. For the 2026 class, all eyes are on four-star QB Deuce Knight, who has already visited South Bend and left with rave reviews. Knight has the type of dual-threat skillset that Freeman’s offense is trending toward—mobile, accurate, and poised under pressure. While other programs such as Florida and Ole Miss are making strong pushes, Notre Dame has built strong momentum with Knight, and if the staff can convince him of the developmental plan and support system in place, a commitment could very well come sooner rather than later. Knight has openly praised Notre Dame’s balance between athletics and academics, and that balance could be the X-factor.
Notre Dame also has a few edge rusher targets nearing decision windows, with the most notable being Elijah Rushing out of Arizona. Rushing, a long and lean pass rusher with elite bend and twitch, has seen his stock rise in recent months, and Notre Dame has been one of the most consistent schools in contact. While Rushing has not yet publicly named a leader, multiple recruiting analysts have suggested that Notre Dame is firmly in the top three. Defensive line coach Al Washington has been relentless in this recruitment, and the Irish are selling early playing time as a key draw. With a strong visit in the books and the right mix of opportunity and development, Rushing could end up pulling the trigger before the end of summer.
