𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Notre Dame Lands Game-Changing Commitment from 3⭐ TE Preston Fryzel—6’4″, 200-Pound Ohio Standout Picks Fighting Irish Over Iowa and Miami (FL) as Marcus Freeman Secures Another Key Piece in 2025 Class
The Fighting Irish have added another vital weapon to their 2025 recruiting arsenal with the commitment of 3-star tight end Preston Fryzel. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, the Ohio native brings size, athleticism, and a football IQ that has already caught national attention. Ranked as the 24th overall player in Ohio, Fryzel’s decision to don the gold helmet over offers from Iowa and Miami (FL) signals another big recruiting win for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame program. In an era where talent acquisition is king, especially at positions like tight end which carry historical weight at Notre Dame, this commitment feels like much more than just a 3-star announcement—it feels like the emergence of a future difference-maker.
Fryzel’s journey to Notre Dame started long before his name appeared on recruiting boards. A product of the football-rich Midwest, he grew up playing the game with a grit and physical edge that would eventually become his calling card. Coaches often describe him as “relentless” and “hyper-intelligent,” with a knack for route running and an unmatched work ethic. At his high school in Ohio, Fryzel quickly became a staple of the offense, serving as both a safety valve and deep threat. Whether it was third-and-short or a red zone opportunity, his number was frequently called—and more often than not, he delivered.
What sets Fryzel apart, even beyond his physical tools, is his versatility. He isn’t just a traditional inline tight end who can block and leak out for a short gain. He possesses the route-running polish of a wide receiver with the toughness and physicality needed to play in the trenches. That hybrid capability makes him a chess piece for any offensive coordinator—a weapon who can line up in the slot, out wide, or attached to the line of scrimmage, and still produce matchup nightmares for defenders. In today’s college football landscape, where flexibility and unpredictability often determine a program’s offensive success, Fryzel is tailor-made for the modern tight end role.
The recruiting battle for Fryzel was competitive and intense, especially considering his regional connections and national upside. Iowa made a hard push late, touting their tight end development success that includes names like George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Noah Fant. Miami (FL), with its resurgence in recruiting and revamped offense, also posed a serious threat. Yet, Notre Dame’s longstanding legacy at the tight end position—think Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, and Michael Mayer—coupled with the cultural and academic fit, ultimately sealed the deal.
For Marcus Freeman, this commitment underscores his strategic approach to rebuilding and elevating the Notre Dame roster. Since taking over the program, Freeman has emphasized recruiting with purpose—identifying athletes who not only fit his scheme but also the culture of South Bend. Fryzel, by all accounts, checks every box. He’s smart, driven, physical, and hungry. These are the types of players Freeman believes can return Notre Dame to national championship contention. And perhaps more importantly, players like Fryzel represent foundational pillars—a tight end who can stabilize and elevate the offense for years to come.
In watching Fryzel’s film, one immediately sees a natural playmaker. He has strong hands, rarely dropping a pass, and exhibits body control that allows him to adjust mid-air and make contested catches. His catch radius is elite for a high school tight end, allowing quarterbacks to throw into tight windows with confidence. He’s also shown flashes of being a high-level blocker, willing to square up against edge rushers and hold his ground—something many high school prospects his size still struggle to master. His high football IQ is apparent in how he finds soft spots in zone coverage and adapts to defensive shifts. Whether the play breaks down or goes as scripted, Fryzel finds a way to make himself available.
From a leadership standpoint, Fryzel has also earned rave reviews. Coaches and teammates alike praise his attitude, professionalism, and team-first mentality. He’s often the first on the field for practice and the last to leave. He watches extra film, leads drills with younger teammates, and brings a level of intensity to game day that elevates those around him. Those intangible qualities—work ethic, leadership, football smarts—often determine which 3-star prospects develop into 5-star producers at the college level. And if early signs hold true, Fryzel appears destined to outplay his current ranking.
Notre Dame’s offensive system under coordinator Mike Denbrock, who returned to South Bend after leading elite offenses at LSU and Cincinnati, thrives with dynamic tight ends. Denbrock’s schemes often rely on mismatches, using tight ends as both blockers and receivers in creative ways. Fryzel’s ability to stretch the field, find seams in coverage, and hold his own in run-blocking will allow him to contribute early if he picks up the playbook quickly. Moreover, with a deep quarterback room and an emerging offensive line, the addition of a target like Fryzel offers even more layers to an already promising 2025 offensive unit.
This commitment also sends a message to the rest of the country: Notre Dame remains a destination for elite tight ends and offensive playmakers. Despite heavy recruiting competition from top-tier programs, the Irish are proving that their tradition, academic excellence, and future vision continue to appeal to top talent. Fryzel’s choice validates the program’s ability to attract not just national names, but important regional prospects who fit the DNA of Notre Dame football.
For fans of the Irish, this is more than just another name in the recruiting database. It’s a tangible sign of progress. It’s an indication that Freeman and his staff are building not just for short-term success but sustained excellence. As recruiting classes take shape and blue-chip names pile into South Bend, each commitment adds another layer to the foundation. With Fryzel, Notre Dame isn’t just getting a tight end—they’re getting a competitor, a leader, and potentially a future captain.
Looking ahead, Fryzel’s senior season will be heavily watched. Already, there’s talk of his stock rising even further. A strong senior campaign could catapult him up the national rankings and possibly garner him a fourth star. But even if he stays exactly where he is on paper, Notre Dame seems confident they’ve landed a future impact player. In a conference-independent program where every non-conference win matters, having reliable playmakers like Fryzel could be the difference in high-stakes matchups against the likes of Ohio State, USC, or Clemson.
The fanbase has responded with excitement, filling social media with messages of support and enthusiasm. “Tight End U strikes again,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “This kid is going to be a monster in blue and gold.” The sentiment is unanimous: Preston Fryzel feels like the kind of under-the-radar recruit who ends up on Sundays, the type who quietly becomes a household name in South Bend before blossoming into an All-American. It’s happened before. Notre Dame fans have seen it. And with Fryzel, they believe they might be seeing it again.
In the evolving arms race that is college football recruiting, every commitment matters. But some carry a different weight. Some signal momentum, direction, and clarity of vision. Preston Fryzel’s commitment is one of those moments. It’s a win not just on the field, but in the locker room, the classroom, and the larger cultural mosaic of Notre Dame football. It’s a statement of belief from a young man who had multiple choices and chose to write his next chapter under the golden dome.
For Marcus Freeman and his staff, it’s another feather in the cap—a sign that the mission is on course. For Fryzel, it’s a new beginning in a place built on legends. And for Notre Dame fans, it’s the next big thing to believe in.
