Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Notre Dame Football Enters Battle With Penn State For Class of 2026 Prospect

Originally posted on Notre Dame Fighting Irish on SI
By Jackson Langendorf | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 4:09 PM ET

With the summer in full swing and the 2025 campaign practically around the corner, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff are no longer concerned with the transfer portal, or roster-building for the upcoming campaign.

In terms of recruiting, the Fighting Irish can now focus their efforts solely on their future, targeting high school prospects that will help round out their roster in the coming years.

One of those targets appears to be Charlie Thom, an offensive tackle in the Class of 2026 from Connecticut. Tabbed as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, Thom is the 74th-best offensive tackle in the country and fifth-rated overall recruit in his state.

On Tuesday, the Fighting Irish extended an offer to Thom, according to his X account. Notre Dame marked his 23rd Division One offer, and arguably his most desirable. The other notable program to have offered Thom is one the Fighting Irish are quite familiar with: Penn State.

After a great call with @CoachJoeRudolph, I’m extremely excited to receive an offer from the University of Notre Dame! @JonathanWholley @AOF_Football pic.twitter.com/KqZEeZbUSu
— Charlie Thom (@CharlieThom43) June 17, 2025

During his junior season at Avon Old Farms High School, Thom helped his school to a 6-4 overall record and a 5-1 showing in league play. Listed at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Thom certainly has the size Notre Dame – and any team in the country – has always coveted in its offensive tackles.

Thus far, Thom has only taken two official visits, the first of which was at Boston College and the most recent at Penn State. Despite just offering Thom, the Fighting Irish already appear to be in the thick of the race for his talents.

This article first appeared on Notre Dame Fighting Irish on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: