Predicting the 2026 recruiting finish for Notre Dame following the commitment of underrated defender Nick Reddish

With the commitment of the 2026 Charlotte (N.C.) Independence safety Nick Reddish for Notre Dame, the 2026 recruiting class is quickly solidifying. There is only a couple of remaining targets on the board, and head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff has a chance to solidify a tremendous overall group. They are finishing incredibly strong right now. 

Let’s take a look at what remains on the board for Notre Dame, and more important, what’s coming up next. It’s a smaller board, but a can’t miss prospect still remains. In a few weeks, there is a good chance that the class will be solidified. There is, however, still a couple of questions left to be answered. 

DT Elijah Golden - Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney 

There is one missing ingredient remaining in the 2026 class for Notre Dame, a playmaking three technique who has the upside to make a ton of plays in the backfield. That is what Golden potentially represents in the class, and he is set to make his college decision on July 26th. Alabama is the top competition for the Irish, and they will need to close strong. He is, and has been, a priority for the staff for some time now. 

To Evan Jacobson or not to Even Jacobson

Before elite tight end Ian Premer opted for Notre Dame last week, it appeared like it was only a matter of time until Waukee (Iowa) High School standout Evan Jacobson joined the class. With Premer, along with Preston Fryzel now committed at tight end, there’s a major question whether the team will push for Jacobson. 

I personally like the potential of the Irish pushing with how thin the tight end room is, especially with Eli Raridon and Kevin Bauman exhausting eligibility after the 2025 college football season. Jacobson is also a very talented player, and has a lot of developmental upside. I have my doubts that Notre Dame will push, but I absolutely would. 

What’s next? 

If Golden chooses the Irish, Notre Dame will be done on the defensive side of the football. That’s barring a late riser bursting onto the scene as a senior, potentially on the defensive line or linebacker. All eyes will then be on Jacobson, and what Notre Dame decides to do to finish the offensive class. 

From there, we can officially turn our attention to the 2027 recruiting class. With linebacker Ellis McGaskin and long snapper Sean Kraft already committed, there’s going to be a lot of talented recruits to get to know. Quarterback will be the position that people talk about most, but there is talent all over the board early on.