Fast-rising 2026 offensive tackle Charlie Thom receives an offer from Notre Dame and schedules an official campus visit.

Charlie Thom isn’t just another name in the 2026 recruiting class — he’s quickly become one of the most talked-about offensive tackle prospects in the country. Hailing from Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut, the 6-foot-7, 275-pound lineman is making waves with his combination of size, athleticism, and relentless work ethic. This spring, Thom added a major feather to his cap: an offer from the University of Notre Dame.

The offer is not only a testament to Thom’s rapid rise but also a significant step in his recruitment. Even more, it signals a serious connection between Thom and one of college football’s most iconic programs. The next step? A scheduled official visit to South Bend, Indiana — a trip that could shape the course of his future.

From Tight End to Tackle: The Evolution of Charlie Thom

Thom’s journey to the offensive line is anything but conventional. Originally a standout tight end at Darien High School, Thom showcased impressive athleticism, catching ability, and blocking prowess. However, as his frame began to fill out and his physical dominance became more apparent, coaches saw the potential for a transition — one that could unlock his true ceiling.

“My high school coaches and I had a lot of conversations about how I could best help the team and where my body was naturally taking me,” Thom said in a recent interview. “Moving to offensive tackle was a challenge, but I’ve fallen in love with the position.”

Thom made the switch to offensive line after transferring to Avon Old Farms, a prep school known for producing top-tier collegiate talent. There, he found the ideal environment to sharpen his skills, adjust to a new position, and take on bigger, stronger competition.

“I’ve had the benefit of playing against some of the best prep talent in the country,” Thom said. “That’s helped me grow faster than I expected.”

Skillset That Turns Heads

What makes Thom a standout prospect is not just his size — though 6’7″, 275 pounds is certainly eye-catching — but the way he moves at that size.

College coaches rave about his footwork, hand placement, and especially his athleticism in space. Originally trained as a skill-position player, Thom brings a unique fluidity to the tackle position. He can mirror edge rushers, pull on screens, and climb to the second level with ease.

“Charlie has the frame of an NFL lineman and the foot speed of a tight end,” said Avon Old Farms head coach Jon Wholley. “He’s a student of the game, and he’s just starting to scratch the surface.”

Thom’s work ethic is another point of emphasis. Coaches point to his film study, weight room consistency, and attention to detail. He’s not just a natural athlete — he’s a grinder.

“He’s in early, stays late, asks the right questions, and always wants to be coached,” said Wholley. “That’s what makes him different.”

Recruitment Takes Off

Thom’s recruitment began heating up after a breakout spring and a dominant showing at multiple national camps. Colleges quickly took notice.

Programs from across the country — including Nebraska, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Penn State, and several Ivy League schools — began lining up with offers and interest. What’s unique about Thom’s recruitment, however, is that academic prestige seems to matter just as much as football prowess.

“Academics are a huge part of this decision for me,” Thom said. “I want to be challenged both on the field and in the classroom.”

This emphasis opened the door to programs like Princeton and Dartmouth, but also made schools like Notre Dame particularly appealing. It wasn’t long before the Fighting Irish joined the fray.

Notre Dame Makes Their Move

In early June 2025, Notre Dame’s offensive line coach, Joe Rudolph, extended an official scholarship offer to Thom — a move that immediately caught the attention of recruiting analysts and signaled serious intent from the Irish.

“The call from Coach Rudolph was special,” Thom said. “Notre Dame is one of those programs you dream about as a kid — the tradition, the academics, the fan base. It means a lot.”

Notre Dame’s coaching staff sees Thom as a future anchor on the offensive line, capable of playing either tackle position thanks to his agility and wingspan. With multiple veterans expected to graduate after the 2025 season, the Irish are looking to reload, and Thom fits the mold perfectly.

“I think they value what I bring — athleticism, intelligence, and physicality,” Thom said. “And I appreciate how genuine and detailed they’ve been with their interest.”

Official Visit Set

As part of the next step in his process, Thom has locked in an official visit to Notre Dame, scheduled for the weekend of July 12-14, 2025. The visit will offer him a comprehensive look at the school’s academics, facilities, culture, and campus life.

“I’m really excited to get on campus and see everything up close,” Thom said. “You hear so much about the atmosphere at Notre Dame — now I get to see it for myself.”

According to those close to him, Thom plans to use the visit to meet more with Coach Marcus Freeman, tour academic buildings, observe offensive line drills, and most importantly, speak with current players.

“I want to get a feel for what it’s really like to be a student-athlete there,” he said. “What’s the day-to-day like? How do the guys support each other? That’s important to me.”

The timing of the visit is strategic — many top programs will host key recruits during this window before fall camp begins. Thom is also expected to visit Penn State and Stanford later in July, with the potential for an early fall decision.

Fit With the Fighting Irish

Notre Dame’s history of producing elite offensive linemen is no secret. From Quenton Nelson and Zack Martin to recent draftees like Joe Alt, the Irish have consistently churned out NFL-ready talent.

“It’s definitely something I notice,” Thom said. “The development is real, and you can see that guys leave Notre Dame ready for the next level.”

Coach Freeman and his staff are building a 2026 class that reflects their values — toughness, intelligence, and versatility. Thom would be a major addition to that group, and potentially a foundational piece in the trenches.

“He’s got the tools to be an All-American,” said one Notre Dame staffer familiar with Thom’s tape. “We want guys who want to dominate and who are about more than just football. Charlie checks every box.”

Recruiting Landscape

Despite the buzz around Notre Dame, Thom’s recruitment remains open — for now. In addition to the Irish, schools like Stanford, Penn State, Nebraska, and Wake Forest are firmly in the mix. Stanford’s academic profile and West Coast ties appeal to Thom, while Penn State’s Big Ten pedigree is also drawing his interest.

He’s in no rush to make a hasty decision.

“I’ve tried to stay grounded through it all,” Thom said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but I want to take my time and make the right choice — not just for football, but for my future as a whole.”

That level-headed approach, paired with a hunger to improve, has made Thom a favorite among coaches and a role model among peers.

Charlie Thom may have started as an under-the-radar tight end, but he’s now firmly in the national spotlight as a top offensive line recruit in the 2026 class. His offer from Notre Dame and upcoming official visit represent a major moment in his recruitment — and perhaps the beginning of a new chapter.

Whether he ends up in South Bend or elsewhere, one thing is certain: the program that lands Thom will be getting more than just a high-upside athlete. They’ll be getting a leader, a student of the game, and someone built for the challenges of college football.

Stay tuned. This recruitment — much like Thom’s career — is just getting started.