Notre Dame Fighting Irish Score Big With Commitment Of 2026 Three-Star Tight End Preston Fryzel Over Iowa And Miami

The Fighting Irish just added another crucial piece to their future offense, securing the commitment of 2026 three-star tight end Preston Fryzel out of Toledo, Ohio. Fryzel, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound athletic pass-catcher, announced his decision earlier today, choosing Notre Dame over fellow finalists Iowa and Miami in what has been a steadily building recruiting battle over the past few months.

For Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame coaching staff, Fryzel’s pledge is more than just another addition to the 2026 class—it represents a strategic victory on multiple fronts. Not only does Fryzel bring valuable size, versatility, and upside at a position where the Irish have historically thrived, but his decision also signals Notre Dame’s continued ability to win critical head-to-head recruiting battles against established programs like Iowa and Miami, both of which have strong reputations for developing tight ends.

Fryzel, ranked as a three-star prospect by major recruiting outlets, may not carry the five-star billing that often accompanies elite Notre Dame commitments, but his potential and athletic profile have turned heads among scouts and analysts alike. His frame, soft hands, and natural instincts as a route-runner make him a prime developmental target with the chance to grow into a significant offensive weapon in South Bend.

Hailing from St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo, Fryzel has steadily risen on the recruiting radar over the past year. His junior season film showcased his ability to stretch the field, work the seams, and act as both a reliable possession receiver and red-zone threat. His combination of length, fluidity, and catch radius caught the attention of Power Five programs across the country, ultimately leading to scholarship offers from Iowa, Miami, Michigan State, Kentucky, and several others.

However, it was Notre Dame’s tradition of producing high-level tight ends, along with the personal connections forged with the Irish coaching staff, that ultimately swayed Fryzel’s decision. The Toledo native made multiple trips to South Bend throughout his recruitment, including an unofficial visit earlier this spring that insiders widely viewed as a turning point in his decision-making process.

Speaking on his commitment, Fryzel expressed excitement about joining one of college football’s most storied programs.

“It feels surreal,” Fryzel said. “Notre Dame has everything I was looking for—the tradition, the academics, the coaching staff, and the chance to play on a national stage. I grew up watching Notre Dame tight ends make big plays, and now I get to be part of that legacy.”

Notre Dame’s tight end tradition is well-documented, with the program producing NFL-caliber talent at the position for decades. From players like Kyle Rudolph and Tyler Eifert to more recent stars such as Cole Kmet and Michael Mayer, the Irish have established themselves as a premier destination for tight ends aspiring to reach the next level. That legacy clearly resonated with Fryzel throughout the recruiting process.

For Marcus Freeman, Fryzel’s commitment is a welcome boost to an already promising 2026 recruiting class. Notre Dame has prioritized adding size, athleticism, and versatility across its offensive skill positions, and Fryzel checks all those boxes. Though listed as a tight end, his skill set allows him to line up in multiple spots—whether flexed out as a wide receiver, attached to the line of scrimmage, or in motion to create mismatches against opposing defenses.

From a schematic standpoint, Fryzel’s versatility could prove invaluable. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has emphasized the importance of tight end involvement in the Irish offense, both as blockers and playmakers in the passing game. Fryzel’s physical tools and football IQ give Notre Dame options in how they deploy him, with the potential to create favorable matchups against linebackers and safeties.

Fryzel’s development will be key in determining how quickly he can contribute at the next level. Like many tight end prospects coming out of high school, he’ll likely need to add strength and refine his technique as a blocker to become a complete player. However, his athleticism and ball skills already stand out, providing a solid foundation for the coaching staff to build upon.

Recruiting analysts have also noted Fryzel’s competitive edge and work ethic, qualities that align well with Notre Dame’s culture and expectations. His commitment underscores the program’s continued emphasis on character, development, and academic excellence alongside on-field success.

The recruitment process for Fryzel included intense pursuit from both Iowa and Miami, two programs with their own history of producing NFL-ready tight ends. Iowa’s physical, pro-style approach and Miami’s offensive explosiveness made them appealing options, but ultimately, the combination of Notre Dame’s player development, tradition, and academic reputation proved too strong to resist.

Landing Fryzel also carries regional significance for Notre Dame. The Irish have made Ohio a key recruiting ground, and Fryzel’s commitment reinforces their presence in the Buckeye State. Keeping top talent from neighboring regions away from Big Ten programs like Iowa or even potential in-state suitors such as Ohio State, though the Buckeyes did not formally offer Fryzel, highlights the staff’s ability to identify and secure high-upside players before they become national recruiting battles.

For Notre Dame fans, Fryzel’s pledge brings optimism for the continued evolution of the offense. While he may not step onto campus as an immediate headliner, his long-term potential aligns with the Irish’s reputation for developing tight ends into impact players and NFL prospects. His size, catch radius, and athletic ceiling provide the raw materials for Notre Dame’s coaching staff to mold him into the next great player at the position.

As the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses, Notre Dame remains focused on building a well-rounded class capable of competing at the highest levels. Fryzel’s commitment adds to that foundation, joining a group that is already generating excitement among fans and analysts. With Marcus Freeman entering his third full recruiting cycle as head coach, the Irish continue to blend tradition with modern recruiting strategies, targeting players like Fryzel who fit both the athletic and academic profile expected at Notre Dame.

Looking ahead, Fryzel plans to continue honing his skills during his senior season at St. John’s Jesuit, with a particular emphasis on improving his physicality and refining his route-running. His goal is to arrive in South Bend ready to compete and make an early impact, though he understands the developmental timeline often required for tight ends transitioning to the college level.

In the short term, Fryzel’s decision provides momentum for Notre Dame on the recruiting trail. His public commitment could help influence other targets considering the Irish, especially at offensive skill positions where chemistry and familiarity often play a role in group decisions. With tight end usage central to the Irish offensive identity, Fryzel’s addition sends a clear message to future recruits about Notre Dame’s ongoing commitment to featuring the position prominently.

Overall, while the headlines may focus on five-star commitments and national rankings, the addition of a high-upside, versatile player like Preston Fryzel represents the kind of calculated, culture-fitting win that sustains long-term success for programs like Notre Dame. His combination of size, athleticism, and potential fits the mold of past Irish greats, and under the guidance of Marcus Freeman’s staff, Fryzel will have every opportunity to follow in their footsteps.

In the world of college football recruiting, every class is built on a mix of blue-chip stars and under-the-radar players with untapped potential. Fryzel may fall into the latter category for now, but his physical tools, work ethic, and fit within Notre Dame’s system suggest his best football is still ahead of him—and that should excite Fighting Irish fans everywhere.