“They Said They Were Coming for Me Next”: Top Notre Dame Target Emerges After Elite QB Teddy Jarrard’s Commitment Shift

When elite quarterback Teddy Jarrard gave his verbal commitment to Notre Dame, it wasn’t just about securing one of the top passers in the 2026 recruiting cycle. It was about momentum. And now, it’s clear that his pledge is having an immediate ripple effect — one that’s starting to reshape the Fighting Irish’s entire class.

“They said they were coming for me next,” said a top Notre Dame target, whose name is quickly rising in recruiting circles. “I’ve been hearing from them a lot more. Teddy’s move made things real.”

That quote — raw, honest, and laced with excitement — captures the growing buzz surrounding Notre Dame’s efforts to capitalize on Jarrard’s commitment. The quarterback from Buford, Georgia, ranked as a consensus top-10 player in the nation, shocked many by picking the Irish over powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. But to the Notre Dame coaching staff, it wasn’t just a win. It was a signal.

And now, the dominoes are lining up.

The Jarrard Effect

Jarrard’s influence cannot be overstated. Known not only for his elite arm strength, field vision, and pocket poise, he also possesses a magnetic leadership quality that has drawn in recruits since his freshman season. Even before he made his college choice public, he was quietly building connections with some of the best players in the 2026 class.

Notre Dame’s coaching staff knew this. That’s why they pushed so hard to get him on campus for the Blue-Gold Game, where Jarrard reportedly bonded with a number of Irish targets — including five-star wide receiver Jaylen McCoy, four-star tight end Isaiah Benson, and four-star running back Tavion Massey.

“They talked like they were already teammates,” a source close to the program said about Jarrard and McCoy. “They clicked immediately. And once Teddy gave his word, the conversations only picked up.”

Jaylen McCoy: The Receiver in Waiting?

While Notre Dame has remained tight-lipped on who exactly “they” are in the quote, all signs point to McCoy, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound wide receiver from Florida’s IMG Academy. Ranked as one of the top five wideouts in the 2026 class, McCoy’s blend of size, speed, and route-running has made him a priority target for virtually every top-tier program in the country.

He’s taken visits to Alabama, USC, and Texas — but the Notre Dame connection continues to grow. Insiders say McCoy was impressed by the academic prestige, the culture Freeman has created, and, most importantly, the chance to catch passes from a quarterback like Jarrard.

“You can’t ignore that,” McCoy said in a recent interview. “Teddy’s legit. And he’s hungry. That’s the kind of guy I’d want to play with.”

McCoy’s recruitment may still have a few twists left, but momentum is clearly shifting toward South Bend. Notre Dame is positioning itself to become more than just a dark horse in his decision — they may now be the leader.

Building the Class Around Chemistry

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock are constructing a class based on more than just stars and rankings. They’re targeting players who fit the Notre Dame standard — in the classroom, on the field, and in the locker room.

That’s what makes Jarrard such a perfect centerpiece. And that’s why players like McCoy and Benson are so vital. Not only are they game-changers on the field, but they’re also natural leaders. Benson, for example, has already begun forming a group chat with other top targets to discuss the possibility of joining forces.

“Teddy’s not just recruiting for show,” Benson said. “He’s serious about building something.”

This grassroots effort has not gone unnoticed. Notre Dame’s recruiting class, which was already in the top 10 nationally before Jarrard’s commitment, is poised to skyrocket if the Irish can land even two of their next three major targets.

Freeman’s Blueprint Taking Shape

Freeman’s approach has always been about relationships. From his first day on the job, he’s emphasized connecting with players on a personal level, creating a culture that promotes development on and off the field. His staff — including rising recruiting stars like Chad Bowden — has doubled down on that vision.

The result? A recruiting operation that punches above its weight class, regularly going toe-to-toe with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan for five-star talent.

And now, thanks to Jarrard, the Irish have a foundation that other top players are taking seriously.

“When you get a quarterback that good, that early, everyone else listens,” said a national recruiting analyst. “Jarrard gives Notre Dame instant credibility with offensive players. And he’s doing a lot of the heavy lifting himself.”

Targets to Watch Next

As Notre Dame’s 2026 class gains traction, here are a few names to keep an eye on as possible next commits:

• Jaylen McCoy (WR) – As previously discussed, he’s the biggest domino on the board. Jarrard is recruiting him hard, and Notre Dame is rising fast.

• Isaiah Benson (TE) – A dynamic pass-catcher with elite athleticism, Benson has Notre Dame in his top three and plans a return visit this fall.

• Tavion Massey (RB) – The Georgia running back has strong ties to Jarrard and could be a perfect scheme fit under Denbrock.

• Malik Saunders (OT) – A high-upside tackle from New Jersey, Saunders is seen as a key piece to protect Jarrard in the years ahead.

Should two or more of these players jump aboard before the early signing period, Notre Dame’s class could finish top-five nationally — a level not seen in South Bend in more than a decade.

A Different Notre Dame Is Emerging

The notion that Notre Dame can’t land the elite skill players needed to win national titles is slowly being debunked. With the arrival of Freeman and his modernized approach to recruiting, combined with elite commits like Jarrard taking active roles in building the class, the Irish are shedding old narratives.

And with that shift comes confidence — not just from the staff, but from the players themselves.

“I’m not scared of anyone,” Jarrard said during his commitment ceremony. “We’re coming to win, and I’m bringing some dogs with me.”

Those dogs are beginning to line up — and one of them, whoever said “they’re coming for me next,” might be ready to make the leap.

Whether it’s McCoy or another five-star weapon, one thing is clear: Notre Dame’s 2026 class is on a fast upward trajectory. And with a quarterback like Jarrard leading the charge, this wave of elite talent might be the one that finally pushes the Irish back into the College Football Playoff — and keeps them there.

For decades, Notre Dame has been chasing that next great era. The right blend of talent, toughness, and unity. With Teddy Jarrard on board and the dominos falling, it feels like that era might finally be on the horizon — and “they” are coming for South Bend in a big way.