With spring in full swing, college football programs face new challenges and exciting opportunities. Notre Dame’s football team has a significant week ahead as they aim to solidify their position as a top program and plan for the future.
It’s a crucial week for the Fighting Irish recruiting efforts. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff will welcome back current commits and several top targets to campus during the final week of spring football. Notre Dame’s busy week kicks off on Tuesday.
Noah Grubbs Leads the Charge as Top Recruits Flock to South Bend for Pivotal Week
According to On3 Sports, Notre Dame currently has the No. 8 recruiting class ranking. Quarterback commit Noah Grubbs will be in South Bend on Tuesday, spending time with Freeman, Gino Guidugli, and the rest of the coaching staff. Grubbs last visited in January.
“This weekend’s junior day visit has been more than I expected,” Grubbs said at the time. “I love being on campus and the moment I got here, I spent time with Coach Freeman and was able to connect with some of our top recruits. It’s home and I’m really comfortable being on campus now.”
“The coaches pretty much told me I’m the head of the class so it’s my job to recruit our 2026 class to get guys to come play with me and help lead us to more National Titles. You may see someone within the next couple of days or weeks commit. The recruit I talked to the most was Kaydon Finley. I believe we are really connecting and I’m confident as this process goes, we will get him! I can’t wait to officially be here next January competing in the gold helmet. Go Irish.”
Grubbs’ top receiver target at Lake Mary High School, Brian Williams Jr., will also be in town. Notre Dame offered him in March. Notre Dame remains a strong contender for Carrolton Central running back Jonaz Walton, who is On3’s No. 7 ranked running back. This will be his second visit early in the 2025 calendar year.
“A lot of things excite me about them,” Walton recently said. “Even though they lost Coach McCullough, I still like being there at their school talking to Coach Freeman.”
“How he handled his team last year, as well as the running backs. Jeremiyah Love possibly being a Heisman candidate. Academically really a prestigious school. It’s a lot different than a lot of other schools I’ve been to, and you can tell when I’m there.”
West Valley City quarterback Kamden Lopati is expected to visit on Wednesday. His early offer list includes Iowa State, Arizona State, Oregon, and Utah. Naples First Baptist 2028 quarterback Brady Quinn will also be in town. Miami, Mississippi, Syracuse, and Nebraska are already expected to offer him a scholarship.
Notre Dame is considered a leading contender for four-star running back Javian Osborne as they compete with the Michigan Wolverines for the Forney High standout. Bastrop High four-star defensive lineman Tiki Hola has a May commitment date, and Notre Dame is in his top two, along with SMU.
The Irish have been actively pursuing another four-star defensive lineman and have found that in Noah Clark. They are looking forward to seeing the Durham Jordan standout this week. Walton and Osborne aren’t the only running backs visiting this week; Raymore Peculiar standout DeZephen Walker will also be in South Bend.
A wide receiver is a major recruiting priority for Notre Dame. Their top target is Red Oak four-star Brayden Robinson. He recently had a very positive visit to Miami, and now Notre Dame aims to impress him again following his earlier visit this year.
It’s still early in the recruiting process for Indianapolis Franklin Central 2027 edge rusher Jayce Brewer. However, the Irish offered him on Pot of Gold Day, an opportunity that excites the in-state talent.
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Mater Dei’s Danny Lang and St. John Bosco’s Jailen Hill, two young defensive backs, will also be visiting this week. Other Notre Dame commits, including Tyler Merrill, Ben Nichols, and Sullivan Garvin, will also return to campus.
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