Notre Dame Football’s Recruiting Surge: Marcus Freeman Leads Irish to No. 2 Class for 2026, Chasing Top Talent

In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, few programs have experienced the type of resurgence that Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have seen in recent years. As Freeman enters his third full season as the head coach of Notre Dame, he has firmly established himself as a force in the recruiting game. Currently, the Irish hold the No. 2 ranked recruiting class for 2026, according to 247Sports, and their recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing down. With an eye toward both the present and the future, Freeman and his staff are making a statement that Notre Dame is back in the conversation among college football’s elite.

As of now, the Irish are not only ranked among the top teams for the 2026 class but are also hot on the trail of several high-profile recruits. From dynamic athletes to game-changing players, Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts are paying dividends as Freeman continues to build a balanced and talent-rich roster. Let’s dive into how Freeman and his team are turning heads, the key recruits they are targeting, and what this recruiting class means for the future of Notre Dame football.

Marcus Freeman’s Vision for Notre Dame Football
When Marcus Freeman took over the head coaching duties at Notre Dame in 2021, there were questions surrounding his ability to continue the program’s success, particularly in recruiting. However, Freeman quickly proved that he had the necessary skills to lead the Irish on the recruiting trail. With a strong background as both a player and a coach, Freeman is able to connect with recruits on a personal level, while also leveraging Notre Dame’s prestigious history and academic reputation to lure in top talent.

One of Freeman’s most notable strategies is his ability to bring energy and enthusiasm to recruiting. His focus on building personal relationships with recruits, coupled with his high-energy style, has allowed him to create a buzz around Notre Dame football. Additionally, Freeman’s deep understanding of the college football landscape—both on and off the field—has helped Notre Dame become a premier destination for elite athletes.

By focusing on securing a balanced roster that includes both skill position players and strong linemen on both sides of the ball, Freeman’s recruiting efforts have begun to show tangible results. In fact, the 2026 recruiting class could prove to be one of the most talented and well-rounded in Notre Dame’s history.

Notre Dame’s No. 2 Ranking: What It Means
Achieving a No. 2 national ranking for a recruiting class is no small feat. In a sport where powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson consistently rank at the top, Notre Dame’s rise in recruiting has garnered significant attention. This ranking places Notre Dame among the nation’s elite programs, and it signifies a huge step forward for Freeman’s long-term vision of the program.

For the Irish, the No. 2 class ranking in 2026 signals that the program has overcome some of the hurdles that previously kept them from landing top-tier recruits. The appeal of playing for a program with a storied history like Notre Dame has always been there, but the addition of Freeman’s leadership and innovative approach to recruiting has raised the program’s profile significantly.

This ranking is also a reflection of the strong relationships Notre Dame has developed with high school coaches, players, and their families. The Irish have shown they can compete with the best of the best in securing top-tier talent, and they are poised to continue building a foundation that could lead to sustained success on the national stage.

Top Recruits in Notre Dame’s 2026 Class
As the Irish continue to solidify their position as one of the top recruiting teams in the nation, they are in the mix for several highly sought-after recruits for the 2026 season. Here are three key players who could make a major impact on the program’s future:

Joey O’Brien – 4-Star Athlete
One of the top targets for Notre Dame is Joey O’Brien, a 4-star athlete out of La Salle College in Pennsylvania. O’Brien is ranked as the 71st best player in the country by 247Sports Composite and is the No. 2 overall player in Pennsylvania. His versatility makes him a prime target for the Irish, as O’Brien excels both offensively and defensively.

O’Brien is capable of playing multiple positions, including quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. He is a dynamic player who can change the game with his speed, athleticism, and vision. As a result, he has drawn interest from several top programs, including Penn State, where he initially committed before reopening his recruitment. Notre Dame has made a concerted effort to bring O’Brien into the fold, with Mike Mickens and Marti Biagi leading the charge.

The Irish are currently in a tight battle with Penn State and other programs, but O’Brien’s recruitment is expected to come down to Notre Dame’s ability to demonstrate how they can utilize his unique skill set in their offense.

Jonaz Walton – 4-Star Running Back
Another highly coveted recruit for Notre Dame is Jonaz Walton, a 4-star running back from Carrollton, Georgia. At 5’9” and 205 pounds, Walton is a powerful and explosive player who is ranked as the 10th best running back in the country and the 124th overall player in the class of 2026.

Walton is a versatile back who can carry the ball between the tackles and break off big runs on the outside. In addition to football, Walton also excels in track and field and swimming, showing his all-around athleticism. He is being heavily recruited by Notre Dame, but also has Stanford, Tennessee, and other programs vying for his commitment. Walton’s recruitment is expected to reach its conclusion soon, with a decision coming this Wednesday.

With Audric Estime and other key running backs on the roster, Walton could make an immediate impact on Notre Dame’s backfield, providing the team with a game-changing playmaker who could contribute as both a runner and a pass catcher.

Brayden Robinson – 4-Star Wide Receiver
The 4-star wide receiver from Red Oak, Texas, Brayden Robinson, is another key target for the Irish. Robinson is ranked as the 44th best player in the state of Texas, which is known for producing elite football talent. His speed and agility are his defining traits, and he is expected to make an immediate impact as a slot receiver and return specialist.

Robinson is known for his elite track speed, which translates to his ability to break away from defenders in the open field. Notre Dame is competing with several schools, including Miami and Arizona, for his commitment, but the Irish are in the thick of the race. Robinson’s ability to stretch the field and contribute in multiple areas makes him a perfect fit for Notre Dame’s offensive attack, and his potential impact on the roster cannot be overstated.

The Bigger Picture: How Freeman’s Recruiting Philosophy is Shaping Notre Dame’s Future
Marcus Freeman’s approach to recruiting has always emphasized balance—securing talent on both sides of the ball to create a complete team. His efforts in the 2026 class are no different, as Notre Dame continues to recruit top-tier players at every position.

In addition to targeting athletes like Joey O’Brien, Jonaz Walton, and Brayden Robinson, Freeman has placed an emphasis on building depth at key positions, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. The Irish are also making strong inroads with several high-profile defensive recruits, continuing their tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent.

By focusing on both skill players and linemen, Freeman is ensuring that Notre Dame will remain competitive in the trenches—a key element of successful college football programs. Additionally, Freeman’s ability to identify players who fit his program’s culture and values will continue to serve the team well, as he emphasizes leadership, discipline, and character.

The Future of Notre Dame Football
As the No. 2 ranked class for 2026 suggests, the future of Notre Dame football is bright. The recruiting efforts under Marcus Freeman have transformed the program, and the Irish are poised to challenge for national championships in the years to come.