Great Bend’s Gift to South Bend: Kansas’ Best 2026 Multi-Sport Star Ian Premer Commits to Notre Dame Fighting Irish
In a move that electrified both the high school football world and the broader landscape of college recruiting, Ian Premer, a gifted 2026 tight end from Great Bend, Kansas, has officially committed to the University of Notre Dame. This decision marks a monumental milestone in what has already been a storied high school career for one of the most accomplished multi-sport athletes not only in the state of Kansas but across the entire country. For Notre Dame, it’s a massive victory in a recruiting race that included several major programs, each hoping to land one of the Midwest’s most explosive and versatile talents. For Premer, it’s a culmination of tireless work, a deep love for competition, and a bold decision to bring his rare skill set to one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs.
What makes Premer’s commitment particularly compelling is the scope of his athletic achievements. In an era where athletes are increasingly encouraged to specialize early, Premer has consistently bucked that trend. A standout in football, basketball, and track, he has demonstrated an exceptional blend of size, agility, strength, and competitiveness that sets him apart from his peers. His ability to dominate across multiple sports speaks volumes not just about his physical gifts, but also about his mental discipline and competitive spirit. These are precisely the traits that make him such an appealing addition to Notre Dame’s already loaded 2026 recruiting class.
Premer’s football talent, of course, is the foundation of his rise as a national recruit. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing around 230 pounds, he has the kind of size that makes scouts and coaches salivate. But it’s what he does with that frame that truly sets him apart. Whether it’s out-muscling defenders for contested catches, exploding off the line on seam routes, or sealing the edge in the run game, Premer plays with a level of physicality and polish that’s rare in a player his age. His hands are strong and reliable, and his understanding of route concepts is advanced, giving him a real advantage against even the most disciplined defenses.
Despite being courted by top programs like Kansas State, Iowa State, and Kansas — all of which were eager to keep the in-state product close to home — Premer ultimately chose the Fighting Irish. His decision is a testament not only to the allure of Notre Dame’s storied history but also to the vision laid out by head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff. Freeman, a former linebacker with deep Midwest roots, has made it a priority to secure tough, athletic, and high-character players who can thrive both on the field and in the classroom. Premer fits that mold perfectly.
Premer’s athletic achievements extend far beyond the gridiron. In basketball, he’s a dominant presence in the paint, often leading Great Bend in points, rebounds, and blocks. His footwork, honed on the hardwood, translates seamlessly to his play as a tight end — where balance and body control are key to executing crisp routes and staying on blocks. On the track, he’s competed in hurdles and relays, showing off his elite speed and coordination for someone of his size. These experiences across sports have made him more than just a football player — they’ve made him a complete athlete.
His coaches have consistently praised not only his natural gifts but also his tireless work ethic and leadership. Known as a team-first player who shows up early, stays late, and always looks to improve, Premer embodies the kind of mindset Notre Dame values. He is often described as humble, grounded, and fiercely competitive — a combination that promises success both in South Bend and beyond.
For Notre Dame, the commitment of Ian Premer is part of a larger strategy to strengthen its offensive weapons for the future. The tight end position has long been a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish offense, producing NFL talent like Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, and Cole Kmet. Premer will be expected to carry on that tradition — and if his current trajectory holds, he could very well exceed even the lofty standards set by his predecessors. His combination of pass-catching ability, blocking prowess, and football IQ make him a future matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators.
The impact of Premer’s commitment also ripples outward. For the state of Kansas, it’s yet another validation of the top-tier talent being developed in the region. For Great Bend, it puts a national spotlight on a proud program that has long emphasized excellence both on and off the field. And for Notre Dame, it’s a win not just in terms of talent acquisition, but in reinforcing its ability to recruit elite athletes from every corner of the country.
It’s easy to focus on the headlines and the highlight reels — and with Premer, there are plenty. But behind the attention lies a story of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From early mornings in the weight room to late nights watching film, from cold winter practices on the Kansas plains to summer travel for camps and combines, Premer has put in the kind of work that most don’t see. That effort, more than any physical attribute, is what truly makes him special.
And yet, for all his accolades and all the hype, Ian Premer remains grounded. Those who know him best describe him as quiet but confident, a young man who prefers to let his play do the talking. He’s known to be respectful to coaches, kind to younger teammates, and fiercely loyal to his family and community. Those values align perfectly with what Notre Dame seeks in its student-athletes.
Looking ahead, Premer’s future in South Bend appears bright. He’ll have the opportunity to learn from one of the best tight end coaching staffs in the country, develop in a pro-style offense that utilizes the tight end position as a focal point, and compete at the highest level of college football. With his size, skill set, and work ethic, the sky is the limit.
There’s also the academic component to consider. Notre Dame is known for its rigorous standards and world-class education, and Premer has made it clear that academics played a significant role in his decision. For him, the chance to develop not just as an athlete but as a student and a person was crucial. He sees Notre Dame as a place that will prepare him for life after football — whenever that may come.
In an era where NIL deals and transfer portal headlines often dominate the conversation, Premer’s commitment feels like a refreshing reminder of what college football can still be about: tradition, team, and a love for the game. He’s not chasing flash or fame. He’s chasing greatness — and he believes Notre Dame is the place that will help him reach it.
Recruiting analysts are already projecting Premer as a future four-star, potentially even five-star, prospect as he continues to develop. His ceiling is as high as any tight end in the 2026 class, and if he stays healthy and focused, he could be a name we hear on Sundays not too far down the road.
But for now, the focus is on the journey ahead. There will be workouts, practices, film sessions, and plenty of growth — both physically and mentally. There will be high expectations, pressure, and scrutiny. But if anyone is equipped to handle all of it, it’s Ian Premer. He’s proven that he’s more than just hype. He’s a worker. A leader. A true athlete.
And soon, he’ll be a Fighting Irishman.
Notre Dame fans have every reason to be excited. In Ian Premer, they’re not just getting a future tight end. They’re getting a young man who represents everything the program stands for — excellence, integrity, and relentless pursuit of greatness. As South Bend welcomes this Great Bend native, one thing is clear: the future just got a lot brighter for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
