Latest Intel on remaining Notre Dame 2026 recruiting targets heading down the stretch for elite Fighting Irish class

Head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football have been on quite the hot streak for the 2026 recruiting class, and it isn’t over quite yet. There are still three main recruiting targets to know on the board, and a couple of them have commitment dates on the horizon. This has the look of an elite overall class for the Fighting Irish. 

With such a short board to work with, there’s no better time than some last minute intel. It’s closing time, and the Notre Dame staff knows it. Here are where things currently stand heading down the stretch. 

S Nick Reddish - Charlotte (N.C.) Independence 

Set to make his public commitment this Friday, July 11th, this has shaped up to be an unlikely battle between Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. Reddish’s older brother plays for the Hokies, so naturally that program has had some appeal. The Fighting Irish, however, have been in a great position for a long, long time. Reddish is viewed as the finishing touch for another elite secondary class, and I think they get it done this Friday. Things are in a great spot. 

DT Elijah Golden - Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney 

After the recent run on wide receivers, there is no questioning who the most important remaining target on the 2026 board is. The defensive line class is tremendous for Notre Dame, but a playmaking three technique is still missing. At 6-3 and 270 pounds, that is what Golden projects as down the road. His talent is immense, and a player that the Irish want desperately. 

Golden is set to make his college decision on July 26th, selecting between Notre Dame, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech. This has been an Irish-Crimson Tide battle for a while, and closing this one out against the elite SEC program is the key. As the days roll on, I feel more and more positive about the chances that Notre Dame does just that. While Alabama has its natural appeal, it hasn’t been lost on Golden that the Irish staff was there very early in his recruitment.

If you take that relationship, and combine it with Notre Dame being an ascending program, I predict you a winner in a couple of weeks. 

TE Evan Jacobson - Waukee (Iowa) High School 

It wasn’t too long ago where I thought Jacobson was the most likely tight end to land in the Notre Dame class, and comfortably. I still believe the Fighting Irish would be the favorite if they pushed hard, but the commitments of Ian Premer and Preston Fryzel have made that a major question. Based on some things I’ve heard, and a general feel, it does feel less likely that the Irish do push hard. I personally would, but I have my doubts that Notre Dame feels the same currently.