20 Elite Football Recruits to Attend Irish Invasion Camp, Each Eager to Earn a Coveted Notre Dame Scholarship Offer

Notre Dame’s annual Irish Invasion camp is always a critical event in the Fighting Irish recruiting calendar, but this year’s iteration has added buzz as 20 top-tier high school football prospects have confirmed their attendance, all sharing one clear objective—earn a scholarship offer from one of college football’s most prestigious programs.

Set to take place inside the storied walls of Notre Dame Stadium, the Irish Invasion serves as a proving ground for emerging talent. For many recruits, it’s the first chance to showcase their athleticism, technique, and drive in front of the full Notre Dame coaching staff. For the coaches, it’s an invaluable opportunity to evaluate up-close the players who might one day wear the golden helmet. But make no mistake: this is not merely a showcase. The Irish Invasion has historically functioned as a springboard for both under-the-radar prospects and established blue-chippers hoping to cement their place in the recruiting plans of one of the nation’s most storied programs.

The group of 20 players expected this year represents a broad geographic and positional cross-section of the talent Notre Dame consistently draws. There are quarterbacks looking to lead the Irish of the future, defensive linemen ready to anchor the trenches, and athletic defensive backs eager to join what has become a consistently productive unit. Some of the visitors are ranked in the top 250 nationally, while others are in the process of making their names known. But each of them carries one thing in common: they are serious about earning the right to compete at Notre Dame.

Among the most highly anticipated visitors is four-star quarterback Jalen Montgomery from Georgia. Montgomery, who’s gained a reputation for his poise in the pocket and ability to read defenses, has been rising up boards nationally this spring. Notre Dame has been evaluating quarterbacks in the 2026 class with meticulous care, and the Irish Invasion offers Montgomery a platform to show why he belongs in that conversation. Sources close to the situation indicate that the staff is eager to see how he performs in person before determining the next step.

Wide receiver talent will also be on full display, with Texas speedster Malik Barnes and Florida standout Kamari Everett both confirming attendance. Barnes is known for his elite top-end speed and ability to stretch the field, while Everett brings a physical, jump-ball presence reminiscent of recent Notre Dame receiving standouts. The Irish staff has made wide receiver a position of focus, and both Barnes and Everett are aware that strong performances could earn them a coveted offer.

On the defensive side, the trenches will be a hotbed of activity. California defensive end Tyson Grant and Georgia defensive tackle Chris Landon headline a group of linemen who’ll be watched closely by defensive line coach Al Washington. Grant, in particular, fits the mold of the athletic edge defenders Notre Dame has prioritized in recent classes. Landon, meanwhile, offers a powerful frame and explosive burst off the line. A dominant showing could very well place him on the offer radar.

But the Irish Invasion isn’t limited to blue-chip recruits. It’s also a chance for the so-called “three-star types” to make their mark and change their trajectory. Consider the case of Kentucky linebacker Aaron Riley, a hard-nosed, high-IQ player with a relentless motor and strong tape. Riley doesn’t yet hold a Power Five offer, but the Notre Dame staff has been quietly watching his film, intrigued by his ability to diagnose plays and shoot gaps. A strong showing on Saturday could be a career-defining moment for him.

The secondary will be another area of emphasis for Notre Dame, with defensive backs coach Mike Mickens looking to restock a unit that’s been quietly effective over the last few seasons. Among those expected to participate are Missouri cornerback Elijah Matthews and Ohio safety Jamir Bell. Matthews is long and rangy, with good instincts and an ability to press at the line of scrimmage. Bell is known for his versatility—able to play in the box or drop back in coverage. Both have expressed a strong desire to play at Notre Dame, and Saturday’s event will be their chance to prove it.

One of the more intriguing names is South Carolina athlete Darrell Griggs, a do-it-all talent who plays quarterback for his high school team but projects as a safety or slot receiver at the next level. Griggs, who has clocked a 4.48 forty and possesses elite agility, is seen as a potential Swiss Army knife for whatever school lands him. Notre Dame has had success developing hybrid athletes, and Griggs could be the next in line if the staff sees a fit. His versatility may be his ticket to an offer.

From a positional strategy standpoint, the camp provides Notre Dame with the ability to fine-tune its board heading into the summer. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have been methodical in how they extend offers—favoring in-person evaluation, character assessments, and fit within the Notre Dame culture. Irish Invasion is the perfect venue for that kind of holistic evaluation. It’s not just about the 40-yard dash times or bench press reps—it’s about how players respond to coaching, how they compete, and how they handle the spotlight.

For the recruits, the stakes could not be higher. Notre Dame offers are not given lightly. Each athlete who takes the field at Irish Invasion knows that he is being evaluated not just on talent, but on demeanor, work ethic, and potential to develop in a program that values discipline, academics, and team-first mentality.

Several of the attendees are legacy or Catholic school students with deep ties to the university’s values and traditions. These players often feel an additional sense of urgency and pride in trying to impress the staff. For instance, Illinois offensive lineman Luke Hanley, whose older cousin played for Notre Dame in the early 2000s, has been dreaming of this moment for years. At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, he brings prototypical size and an aggressive playing style. This camp could mark the beginning of a serious pursuit on both sides.

There’s also the recruiting ripple effect to consider. When Notre Dame extends an offer at Irish Invasion, word spreads quickly. Players talk, recruiting circles buzz, and momentum builds. An offer extended to a player like Montgomery or Grant could influence other top-tier athletes considering the Irish, further shaping how the 2026 class unfolds.

Notre Dame’s staff will likely keep a close eye on intangibles as well. They’ll observe how players support their teammates, how they respond to adversity in drills, and whether they display leadership traits even in a camp setting. These “unseen” factors often separate offer-worthy athletes from the rest of the field.

It’s also worth noting that for many of these 20 recruits, this will be their first in-depth exposure to the Notre Dame campus. While the football evaluation is paramount, the university is betting that once prospects step onto campus—once they see the Golden Dome, walk through the Basilica, and feel the history of Notre Dame Stadium—they’ll begin to picture themselves wearing blue and gold. The staff has structured the weekend to not only test football skills but also showcase the school’s academic rigor, support network, and unique cultural identity.

The significance of the Irish Invasion is reflected in past success stories. Current starters, including players like Benjamin Morrison and Tobias Merriweather, once made their first mark during this very camp. Their performances earned them offers, and they ultimately chose Notre Dame over a host of national powers. The current group of 20 hopes to follow that same path.

As the camp approaches, the message from Notre Dame is clear: The door is open, but you must earn your way in. And for these 20 prospects, that challenge is exactly what they want. With dreams of donning the gold helmet and competing at the highest level of college football, they’ll arrive on campus ready to put their best foot forward—because at Irish Invasion, one performance can change everything.

Saturday’s Irish Invasion isn’t just another stop on the summer recruiting tour—it’s a proving ground. And for these 20 ambitious athletes, it’s a chance to show that they belong in South Bend, under the lights, in front of Touchdown Jesus, with the world watching.