Brian Bonner, a top-100 running back prospect, lists Notre Dame among the top five universities.

In the ultra-competitive world of college football recruiting, elite talent often draws attention far and wide. That’s exactly what’s happening with Brian Bonner, a highly touted, top-100 running back prospect out of the 2025 recruiting class. Hailing from Mesquite, Texas, Bonner has rapidly climbed up the national rankings thanks to a powerful combination of vision, explosiveness, and versatility. And now, after months of speculation, he’s trimmed his recruitment list down to five schools—with Notre Dame making the cut alongside Alabama, Texas, Oregon, and Ohio State.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound speedster made the announcement in a polished social media post that featured school logos, personalized graphics, and a bold caption: “It’s time to focus. These are the five that made me feel like family.”

It’s a major moment for Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff in South Bend, who continue to push hard on the recruiting trail as they look to build a dynamic offensive core for the future. But landing Bonner won’t be easy—not with heavyweights like Alabama and Texas also pushing hard for his signature.

The Rise of Brian Bonner

Brian Bonner’s journey to becoming a national name in recruiting circles didn’t happen overnight. It’s been the result of years of dedication, skill refinement, and undeniable production on the field.

As a junior at Mesquite High School, Bonner ran for over 1,800 yards and tallied 22 touchdowns. He earned All-District honors and quickly became one of the most feared runners in Texas 6A football. Recruiting services took note: 247Sports ranks him as the No. 92 overall player in the nation, the No. 7 running back, and the No. 17 overall player in the state of Texas.

What makes Bonner so appealing to college coaches isn’t just his numbers—it’s the way he gets them. He’s a patient runner with next-level acceleration who can hit the hole with decisiveness. He has the balance to absorb contact, the agility to make defenders miss in open space, and the hands to be a threat in the passing game.

His ability to thrive in different offensive schemes has made him a target for programs that value flexibility and explosive playmaking from the backfield.

Notre Dame’s Case: A Fit That Makes Sense

When Bonner revealed Notre Dame among his final five, it was met with equal parts excitement and intrigue. The Fighting Irish haven’t always been known for landing elite offensive skill position talent from Texas, but recent recruiting trends under Freeman have started to change that narrative.

Notre Dame has become more aggressive and more national in its recruiting approach. The Irish are showing that they not only want to compete for College Football Playoff spots—they want to win them with elite talent on both sides of the ball.

For Bonner, Notre Dame’s appeal lies in several areas:

• Offensive Scheme Fit: Notre Dame’s offense under new coordinator Mike Denbrock is evolving into a balanced, pro-style attack with spread elements. It’s an ideal system for a back like Bonner, who thrives both between the tackles and on the perimeter.
• Running Back Legacy: The program has a strong history of producing productive backs like Kyren Williams, Josh Adams, and more recently Audric Estimé. That lineage of tough, intelligent runners appeals to Bonner and his family.
• Academic Prestige: Bonner has emphasized academics in past interviews, and Notre Dame’s reputation as one of the top universities in the country gives it a unique edge among football powers.
• Relationship with Staff: Running backs coach Deland McCullough has played a key role in this recruitment. McCullough’s NFL experience and player development reputation have resonated with Bonner and his inner circle.

The Contenders: Breaking Down the Final Five

While Notre Dame fans have reason to be optimistic, they’re in for a dogfight with four other powerhouse programs.

1. Texas Longhorns

As the in-state school, Texas brings a natural geographic advantage. Bonner has made several visits to Austin, and Steve Sarkisian’s offense has a strong track record of using running backs creatively.

Texas has also been hot on the recruiting trail and is poised to join the SEC, adding another layer of appeal. The Longhorns are pitching immediate impact, SEC exposure, and the chance to represent the home state at the highest level.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Nick Saban may have retired, but Alabama hasn’t lost its recruiting juice. Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Tide are still viewed as the gold standard for development and NFL preparation.

Bonner took an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa in March and reportedly came away impressed with the facilities, running backs room, and the plan DeBoer has for the program’s future.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State’s history of explosive offenses under Ryan Day has kept them in the mix for top running backs every year. Bonner has been recruited heavily by RBs coach Tony Alford and has praised the Buckeyes’ ability to compete for championships.

With another strong class already forming in Columbus, Bonner could see himself as a missing piece in another CFP run.

4. Oregon Ducks

Dan Lanning and the Ducks continue to swing big. Oregon offers the flash, the Nike branding, and an up-tempo offense that prioritizes space for playmakers.

Bonner has enjoyed his interactions with the staff and the energy surrounding the program’s entrance into the Big Ten. The Ducks are selling a “modern football” experience—and it’s resonating.

What Comes Next: Key Dates and Official Visits

According to sources close to Bonner’s recruitment, he plans to take all five official visits in late spring and early summer before committing before his senior season. That timeline gives each finalist a key opportunity to make their final pitch.

Notre Dame is reportedly working to schedule his official visit for the weekend of June 14th, during one of their major summer recruiting events. That visit will be crucial, as it gives the Irish a chance to show off campus life, academic support, and a potential role in the offense.

Bonner has said he wants to “feel like a priority, not just a piece.” Schools that can show him how he fits into their long-term plan will have the edge.

What Scouts Are Saying

Several national analysts believe Bonner’s stock could continue rising. His recent camp performances have shown improved footwork and refined pass-blocking technique—two areas that often separate good running backs from great ones at the next level.

Rivals national analyst Greg Smith recently said, “Bonner is the type of back who can be a three-down guy. He’s got the toughness, the versatility, and he’s just scratching the surface of how good he can be.”

NIL and Family Considerations

As with most top recruits in the modern era, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities are part of the discussion—but Bonner’s camp has emphasized that it won’t be the deciding factor.

“He’s not chasing the biggest dollar sign,” a family source told On3. “He wants the right fit, the right education, and a place that’s going to push him on and off the field.”

Still, Notre Dame’s more conservative NIL approach could put pressure on Freeman and staff to prove they can still land elite offensive talent without promising the moon upfront.

Freeman’s Recruiting Philosophy

Marcus Freeman continues to embrace a holistic recruiting philosophy—combining top-tier athletic evaluations with strong character and academic standards. Bonner fits that mold perfectly.

He’s been described as humble, hard-working, and driven. Those traits align with what Notre Dame has been building under Freeman—a culture-first team that wants to win the right way.

Freeman has made it clear that he wants Notre Dame to be a destination for elite skill talent, not just dominant linemen and defenders. Bonner could be the next domino to fall in that vision.

The Bigger Picture

If Notre Dame can land Bonner, it would mark a significant recruiting win in multiple ways:

• Geographic Reach: Pulling a blue-chip Texas prospect out of SEC country.
• Offensive Identity: Reinforcing the evolution of a more dynamic Irish offense.
• Momentum: Adding to what could be a top-10 class in 2025.

The Irish are currently in the mix for several other top-tier offensive players, including wide receiver Dallas Reece and quarterback Jace Bryant. Bonner’s commitment could set the tone for a potential recruiting surge this summer.

Brian Bonner’s recruitment is far from over, but Notre Dame is firmly in the race. The Irish have built strong relationships, pitched a compelling academic-athletic package, and shown a clear plan for his development.

Now, it’s about execution—both on the official visit and in maintaining consistent communication over the next few months.

Can Notre Dame beat out the flash of Oregon, the familiarity of Texas, the prestige of Alabama, and the production of Ohio State?

Time will tell—but for now, the Irish are in the fight. And that’s exactly where they want to be.