Notre Dame Football Makes the Cut with 2026 Texas Athlete Legend Bey
In the competitive landscape of college football recruiting, the University of Notre Dame has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract top-tier talent. A recent development underscores this prowess: Texas athlete Legend Bey, a standout from North Forney High School, has included Notre Dame in his top 10 schools for the 2026 recruiting class. This move places the Fighting Irish in strong contention for one of Texas’s most dynamic and versatile prospects.
The Rise of Legend Bey
Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 170 pounds, Legend Bey has showcased exceptional athleticism and versatility on the football field. During his junior season, he amassed 1,912 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 163 carries, averaging an impressive 11.7 yards per carry. Additionally, he completed 81 of 162 passes for 1,444 yards and 13 touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities .
His performance has not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot among the top 100 recruits in Texas and the top 40 athletes nationally, according to On3’s rankings. Bey’s ability to impact the game both as a runner and a passer has made him a coveted prospect for numerous programs across the country.
Notre Dame’s Interest and Recruitment Strategy
Notre Dame’s interest in Bey is rooted in his potential to contribute immediately to their offense. Although he currently plays quarterback for his high school team, the Fighting Irish envision him in a multifaceted role, utilizing his skills as a Wildcat quarterback, slot receiver, or return specialist. This approach aligns with Notre Dame’s offensive philosophy, which values versatility and adaptability in its playmakers .
The recruitment process has been marked by proactive engagement from Notre Dame’s coaching staff. Running backs coach Deland McCullough extended the initial scholarship offer, highlighting Bey’s film and expressing a desire for him to be part of the program’s future. Bey’s response to the offer was enthusiastic, citing the opportunity to be part of a championship-caliber team as a significant draw.
Bey’s Top 10 Schools
As of April 2025, Legend Bey has narrowed his list to 10 schools:
- Notre Dame
- Boston College
- Duke
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas A&M
- Texas Tech
- West Virginia
Notably, programs like Ole Miss, Missouri, Utah, SMU, TCU, Houston, and Baylor did not make the cut, indicating Bey’s preference for institutions that align with his athletic and academic aspirations .
Upcoming Visits and Decision Timeline
Bey has scheduled official visits to several of his top schools, including West Virginia, Duke, and Boston College. Additionally, he plans to visit Notre Dame in June, marking his first trip to South Bend. These visits will provide him with firsthand experience of each program’s environment and culture, aiding in his decision-making process.
Bey has expressed a desire to make a commitment before the start of his senior season, aiming to focus on his final year of high school football without the distraction of ongoing recruitment. This timeline suggests that Notre Dame will need to make a strong impression during his upcoming visit to remain a contender for his commitment.
The Importance of Bey’s Recruitment for Notre Dame
Securing a commitment from Legend Bey would be a significant achievement for Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class. His versatility and playmaking ability would add a dynamic element to the Fighting Irish’s offense. Moreover, Bey’s commitment could serve as a catalyst, attracting other top-tier recruits to consider Notre Dame as a destination.
The recruitment of Bey also underscores Notre Dame’s continued efforts to strengthen its presence in Texas, a state known for producing high-caliber football talent. By successfully recruiting players like Bey, Notre Dame can enhance its national recruiting footprint and build a roster capable of competing at the highest levels.
Legend Bey’s inclusion of Notre Dame in his top 10 schools signifies the Fighting Irish’s appeal to one of the nation’s most promising 2026 recruits. As Bey prepares for his official visit to South Bend, Notre Dame has an opportunity to showcase its program’s strengths and make a compelling case for his commitment. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Notre Dame can secure Bey’s services and further bolster its recruiting efforts in the Lone Star State.
