Four-star linebacker Kobe Clapper commits to Notre Dame, citing strong relationships, elite academics, and belief in Marcus Freeman’s vision.
Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class received a major boost this weekend as four-star linebacker Kobe Clapper announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish, choosing Marcus Freeman’s program over offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Alabama.
Clapper, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect from Buford High School in Georgia, is ranked among the top 10 linebackers in the nation and widely considered one of the most instinctive defensive players in the class. His commitment represents more than just a key defensive addition for the Irish—it signals continued momentum for Freeman’s recruiting strategy, which prioritizes character, development, and long-term vision.
“I wanted a place that felt like home and gave me the best chance to grow as a player, a student, and a man,” Clapper told reporters during his announcement. “Notre Dame checked every box.”
A Fast-Rising Star
Kobe Clapper’s rise on the recruiting trail has been meteoric. After a strong junior season that saw him record 102 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, Clapper emerged as a highly sought-after recruit during the spring evaluation period. He impressed scouts not only with his sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to diagnose plays quickly, but also with his leadership on and off the field.
College coaches took notice. Within weeks, his offer list exploded to include Georgia, Auburn, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and USC. Still, Notre Dame remained at the forefront—thanks to consistent communication and a relationship-first approach from the Irish coaching staff.
“I’ve had a great relationship with Coach [Al] Golden and Coach Freeman since day one,” Clapper said. “They always talked to me like a person first, not just a football player. That meant a lot.”
Marcus Freeman’s Personal Touch
Head coach Marcus Freeman has made linebacker recruiting a personal priority since taking over the program in 2021. A former All-American linebacker himself, Freeman connects deeply with defensive prospects—and his conversations with Clapper proved pivotal.
Sources close to the recruitment say Freeman took a hands-on approach, texting Clapper weekly, reviewing his film, and even visiting Buford during the winter evaluation period. Freeman’s pitch focused not just on Clapper’s on-field ability, but on the role he could play in shaping Notre Dame’s future.
“Coach Freeman said he sees me as a leader in this class,” Clapper explained. “He wants me to be someone who helps build something special at Notre Dame. That really stuck with me.”
Clapper’s commitment gives the Irish their second top-100 defender in the 2026 cycle, joining four-star defensive end Mason White. It’s the kind of defensive foundation Freeman has envisioned: fast, physical, and mentally sharp.
Academics Played a Key Role
As much as football factored into Clapper’s decision, academics may have been the ultimate tipping point.
A standout student with a 4.1 GPA and an interest in business and sports management, Clapper prioritized educational opportunities throughout his recruitment. Notre Dame’s combination of elite athletics and top-tier academics gave the Irish a clear edge over several SEC programs.
“My parents always told me football is a blessing, but it’s not forever,” Clapper said. “Notre Dame gives me the best of both worlds. I can chase a national championship and get a degree that sets me up for life.”
During his official visit in April, Clapper spent extended time with Notre Dame faculty, including a sit-down with leaders from the Mendoza College of Business. That experience, according to his father, “sealed the deal.”
“He came home from that trip with a different look in his eyes,” said Corey Clapper. “He was talking about internships, business plans, life after football. As a parent, you can’t ask for more.”
On-Field Fit
On the field, Clapper projects as an ideal fit for Notre Dame’s hybrid linebacker roles. His ability to play both inside and outside, combined with his high football IQ, gives the Irish flexibility in how they deploy him.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden envisions Clapper as a Mike linebacker with the potential to slide to the Will spot in certain packages. His speed and agility also make him a candidate for early special teams contributions.
“He’s a plug-and-play type of guy,” said 247Sports analyst Gabe Brooks. “What stands out is how quickly he reads plays and gets downhill. He doesn’t hesitate. That’s rare for a high school linebacker.”
At Buford, Clapper played in a pro-style defensive scheme similar to Notre Dame’s, which should ease his transition to the college level. He’s also known for his film study habits and attention to detail—traits that often separate early contributors from long-term projects.
“I’m ready to come in and compete,” Clapper said. “Nothing’s guaranteed, but I want to earn everything.”
A Culture Fit
Perhaps the most underrated factor in Clapper’s recruitment was culture.
Notre Dame has built its recruiting identity around players who align with the school’s values: work ethic, integrity, and leadership. Clapper checks every box. Coaches describe him as humble, driven, and team-oriented—a natural leader in the locker room.
It’s no surprise then that Clapper felt at home during his visits to South Bend. He spent time with players like Jaylen Sneed and Drayk Bowen, both of whom spoke candidly about what it means to play linebacker at Notre Dame.
“They told me it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it,” Clapper said. “That meant more to me than any recruiting pitch.”
Freeman has repeatedly emphasized the importance of culture in building a championship program. With Clapper, he adds not just a playmaker—but someone who elevates the locker room.
Momentum on the Trail
Clapper’s commitment is a signal to other top prospects that Notre Dame remains a destination for elite defensive talent.
The Irish are now firmly in the mix for several other four- and five-star defenders, including safety Kamar Archie (NJ), linebacker Tavon White (NC), and defensive end Jayden Ramsey (TX). Clapper has already expressed a desire to take on a recruiting role himself.
“I’m going to be hitting up guys, no doubt,” he said with a smile. “We’re building something real in South Bend.”
Notre Dame’s 2026 class now sits at 11 commitments and ranks No. 4 nationally, per 247Sports Composite. If Freeman can land two more defensive blue-chippers, the Irish could challenge for their first top-three class since 2013.
SEC Schools Left Stunned
Clapper’s decision came as a surprise to several SEC schools who believed they had a strong shot late in the process. Georgia, in particular, had made a late push following Clapper’s unofficial visit to Athens in March. Alabama and Florida were also believed to be finalists.
But Notre Dame’s consistency—both in communication and vision—proved too strong.
“They never wavered,” said a source close to the recruitment. “Other schools were great, but Notre Dame just stayed steady. They built trust.”
That trust was ultimately Freeman’s secret weapon. In an age where flashy presentations and NIL promises dominate headlines, Freeman continues to win battles with a different approach—authenticity.
The Road Ahead
With his commitment now official, Clapper says his focus will shift back to his senior season and preparing for the next level.
“I’ve still got a job to do at Buford,” he said. “We’re trying to win a state title. I’m not thinking about college until I’ve handled my business here.”
Still, he admits the weight is off his shoulders—and the excitement for what lies ahead is growing.
“It feels amazing to know where I’m going,” he said. “Now it’s about getting better every day and showing why I chose Notre Dame.”
In Kobe Clapper, Notre Dame lands more than just a four-star linebacker. They secure a cornerstone for their 2026 class, a cultural fit who embraces the program’s values, and a future leader on and off the field.
For Marcus Freeman, this is yet another affirmation of his blueprint: combine elite talent with character, and the wins will follow.
And for Clapper, it’s the beginning of a journey defined by purpose—not just performance. As he put it best: “Notre Dame felt like home. And when you find that feeling, you don’t let it go.”
