Notre Dame football legacy dominates Under Armour Future 50, and he is already a major priority for the Fighting Irish

At the Under Armour Future 50 camp in Bradenton, Florida, some of the most elite prospects in the 2026 and 2027 recruiting classes gathered under the spotlight to showcase their talent, compete against the best, and solidify their standing in front of dozens of college scouts, national analysts, and talent evaluators. But amid a field full of four- and five-star standouts, one name not only rose above the competition—he carried a name already etched in gold among Notre Dame’s most treasured traditions.

Jameson Brantley, a 2026 four-star linebacker and legacy recruit from Charlotte, North Carolina, turned heads from the first drill to the last rep, emerging as arguably the top defensive performer of the entire Future 50 showcase. With elite footwork, sideline-to-sideline quickness, and an edge sharpened by instinct, Brantley delivered a performance that had scouts raving and coaches taking notes. But what elevated his performance from elite to storybook was the fact that he’s not just another highly ranked prospect—he’s the son of former Notre Dame All-American linebacker and team captain Courtney Brantley, who played in South Bend from 1995 to 1999.

Now, as recruiting attention around Jameson continues to accelerate, Notre Dame has wasted no time making it clear: he is already a top priority for Marcus Freeman and the Irish staff. And if the Future 50 was any indication, that pursuit is about to become one of the most watched storylines of the 2026 cycle.

“He looked like a college player in high school pads,” said one national recruiting analyst. “Brantley’s read-and-react skills are phenomenal. His technique is clean, he communicates like a veteran, and you can tell he’s been trained the right way since Day 1.”

Brantley measured in at 6-foot-1, 218 pounds—ideal linebacker size—and ran a verified 4.61-second 40-yard dash, while also showcasing explosive lower-body power in the vertical jump and short shuttle drills. But it was in live competition, especially during the 7-on-7 segment and linebacker-versus-running back coverage reps, that he elevated his stock. Matched up against elite offensive talent, Brantley not only held his own—he blanketed would-be targets, disrupted timing, and earned audible praise from Future 50 coaches.

Beyond his physical dominance, Brantley displayed something more difficult to measure: poise, intelligence, and presence.

“He’s a general out there,” one Under Armour camp instructor said. “He anticipates like a coach’s son—because he is. It’s in his blood.”

Indeed, few prospects carry a lineage more intertwined with the tradition of Notre Dame football. Courtney Brantley, his father, was a heart-and-soul figure for the Irish during the late ’90s, known for his toughness, leadership, and quiet intensity. He was a captain in 1999, and although he didn’t go on to NFL superstardom, his influence in the Notre Dame locker room and alumni community remains profound.

Jameson wears No. 55 in honor of his father and has been a frequent visitor to South Bend over the past two years. He attended the Blue-Gold Game in 2023, camped at Notre Dame during the summer of 2024, and returned unofficially during the 2024 season for the USC game—where he watched the Irish defense dominate en route to a statement win.

Those trips, combined with his family history, have made Notre Dame more than just a contender in his recruitment. According to sources close to the Brantley family, the Irish are “absolutely one of the teams to beat,” even as SEC powers like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, as well as Big Ten contenders like Michigan and Penn State, begin to push for official visits.

For Marcus Freeman and linebackers coach Max Bullough, Brantley represents a rare mix of elite measurables, high football IQ, and program-specific familiarity. He understands the standards at Notre Dame. He knows what it means to wear the gold helmet. And he’s not just following in his father’s footsteps—he’s preparing to leave his own.

“I grew up watching old highlights of my dad at Notre Dame,” Brantley said following the Future 50 showcase. “He always told me it was about more than football—it was about the people, the discipline, and becoming a better man. That’s stuck with me.”

Asked directly about Notre Dame’s chances in his recruitment, Brantley didn’t hide his affection for the program. “It’s special there. I mean, I feel it every time I visit. The energy, the brotherhood, the campus—it feels like family.”

But this recruitment will not be a formality. As Brantley’s national profile explodes, more schools are expected to jump into the mix. Georgia has already hosted him for an unofficial visit, and Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack reportedly made a personal visit to Brantley’s high school during the spring evaluation period. Ohio State, meanwhile, extended a scholarship offer earlier this year, and linebackers coach James Laurinaitis is building a strong connection.

Still, Notre Dame is playing from ahead. The staff has prioritized Brantley with regular contact, early visit invites, and a long-term pitch rooted in continuity and legacy.

“We don’t just see Jameson as a legacy recruit,” said one Notre Dame staffer. “We see him as a cornerstone of the next great Irish defense.”

Brantley attends Providence Day School, a private program in North Carolina that’s become a talent factory in recent years, producing five Power Five prospects in the last two cycles alone. As a sophomore in 2024, he tallied 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions—despite facing constant attention from offensive coordinators scheming to get away from him. He also earned All-State honors and was a finalist for North Carolina Defensive Player of the Year.

“He’s the best linebacker I’ve coached in 20 years,” said Providence Day head coach Chad Grier. “Instincts, speed, leadership—he’s got all of it. But the thing that sets Jameson apart is how much he studies the game. He’s in the film room like a pro.”

That professionalism was on full display at the Future 50 camp. Even when not participating in drills, Brantley stood behind instructors, mimicking footwork, observing technique, and engaging in chalkboard-style breakdowns with coaches. In a setting often dominated by athletic flash, Brantley’s mental approach earned universal respect.

“He’s coachable, confident, and focused,” said Rivals analyst Adam Friedman. “He’s not out here trying to go viral—he’s trying to master his craft.”

Recruiting experts believe Brantley is now on a trajectory to earn five-star status in future rankings. Currently rated as a four-star and the No. 6 linebacker in the country by On3, his stock could soar in the coming months with strong performances on the national camp circuit and a productive junior season.

“He has the kind of profile that makes you rethink your linebacker board,” said 247Sports’ national analyst Steve Wiltfong. “Jameson Brantley might be the most complete linebacker in the class.”

For Notre Dame, landing Brantley would represent more than just another recruiting win—it would signal the continuation of a tradition rooted in defense, character, and identity. In the Freeman era, linebackers have played a central role in shaping the team’s toughness and adaptability. Brantley fits that mold perfectly.

And while national powers will continue to recruit him aggressively, the combination of legacy, love, and alignment gives Notre Dame a clear early edge.

“This is a recruitment built on respect,” said Tom Loy of Irish Illustrated. “Notre Dame has handled it the right way from the start. They didn’t just offer Jameson because of his last name—they pursued him because he’s elite.”

Brantley has not yet announced a decision timeline but has stated his intention to take multiple visits during the fall of 2025 and potentially commit before the start of his senior season in 2026.

As the national spotlight continues to expand around his name, it’s clear that Jameson Brantley is no longer just the son of a Notre Dame great. He is his own rising star—and already one of the most sought-after linebackers in America.

Back in South Bend, the Irish faithful are already watching closely. And if things continue to trend in this direction, it may not be long before another Brantley takes the field under the Golden Dome, carrying the past into the future.