Meet the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Class of 2026 Commitments

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been making waves in the 2026 recruiting cycle, securing commitments from some of the nation’s top high school talent. As of May 2025, the class is shaping up to be one of the most impressive in recent memory. Here’s an in-depth look at the standout commitments that make up this promising class.(On3)

Quarterback

Noah Grubbs (Mechanicsburg, PA)

• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 205 lbs
• Commitment Date: October 2024
• Recruiting Sites: Ranked as a top 100 national prospect by 247Sports and On3.
• Overview: Grubbs is a dual-threat quarterback known for his strong arm and mobility. His commitment adds a dynamic presence to the quarterback room.(On3, On3, One Foot Down)

Running Back

Javian Osborne (Forney, TX)

• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 195 lbs
• Commitment Date: May 3, 2025
• Recruiting Sites: Rivals100
• Overview: Osborne is a powerful back with excellent vision and burst. He chose Notre Dame over offers from Alabama, Texas, and Ohio State. (One Foot Down, notredame.rivals.com, One Foot Down)

Wide Receiver

Dylan Faison (Charlotte, NC)

• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
• Commitment Date: October 2024
• Recruiting Sites: Top 100 national prospect by 247Sports.
• Overview: Faison is a versatile receiver with excellent route-running skills and hands. His addition bolsters Notre Dame’s receiving corps.(On3, SI, One Foot Down, One Foot Down, One Foot Down)

Offensive Line

Gregory Patrick (Cincinnati, OH)

• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 310 lbs
• Commitment Date: April 2025
• Recruiting Sites: Top 100 national prospect by 247Sports.
• Overview: Patrick is a powerful offensive tackle with a tenacious playing style. He chose Notre Dame over offers from Michigan and Penn State.(On3, notredame.rivals.com)

Tyler Merrill (Mechanicsburg, PA)

• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 330 lbs
• Commitment Date: January 2025
• Recruiting Sites: Top 100 national prospect by On3.
• Overview: Merrill is a massive interior lineman known for his strength and agility. He had offers from Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia.(On3, On3)

Ben Nichols (Davison, MI)

• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 315 lbs
• Commitment Date: December 2024
• Recruiting Sites: Top 250 national prospect by 247Sports.
• Overview: Nichols is a versatile lineman with a strong base and good footwork. He chose Notre Dame over Wisconsin and Penn State.(On3, SI, One Foot Down, On3)

Sullivan Garvin (Allegan, MI)

• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 300 lbs
• Commitment Date: December 2024
• Recruiting Sites: Top 25 interior offensive lineman by On3.
• Overview: Garvin is a quick and powerful lineman with excellent technique. He had offers from Indiana and Purdue.(On3, On3)

Linebacker

Thomas Davis Jr. (Matthews, NC)

• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 210 lbs
• Commitment Date: November 2024
• Recruiting Sites: Top 30 linebacker nationally by On3.
• Overview: Davis is a versatile linebacker with excellent instincts and leadership qualities. He is the son of former NFL linebacker Thomas Davis Sr. (On3)

Jakobe Clapper (Cincinnati, OH)

• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs
• Commitment Date: May 2025
• Recruiting Sites: Top 100 linebacker nationally by 247Sports.
• Overview: Clapper is known for his high football IQ and ability to find the football. He chose Notre Dame over Ohio State and Michigan. (One Foot Down, On3)

Rodney Dunham (Charlotte, NC)

• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 227 lbs
• Commitment Date: April 2025
• Recruiting Sites: Top 100 national prospect by 247Sports.
• Overview: Dunham is a dynamic edge rusher with excellent pass-rushing skills. He had offers from Georgia and Alabama. (One Foot Down)

Chaston Smith (Chattanooga, TN)

• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 170 lbs
• Commitment Date: December 2024
• Recruiting Sites: Top 250 national prospect by On3.
• Overview: Smith is a tall, physical cornerback with excellent ball skills. He chose Notre Dame over offers from Clemson and Texas A&M.(On3)

Ian Premer (Great Bend, KS)

• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 240 lbs
• **Commit