BREAKING: 2026 Three-Star Safety Nick Reddish Commits to Notre Dame Over Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Indiana After Visit

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have once again made waves on the recruiting trail with the commitment of 2026 three-star safety Nick Reddish, a rising defensive prospect out of Charlotte, North Carolina. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound standout announced his decision following a successful official visit to South Bend on June 13th, choosing the Irish over other notable offers from Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

Ranked No. 681 nationally and the No. 57 safety in the 2026 recruiting cycle, Reddish’s pledge marks another strategic win for Notre Dame’s recruiting staff, especially in bolstering the secondary with versatile, athletic talent. Reddish, who plays for one of North Carolina’s premier high school programs, has consistently displayed a high football IQ, aggressive tackling ability, and a tenacity in pass coverage that makes him a perfect fit for the evolving landscape of Marcus Freeman’s defense.

Notre Dame’s ability to win over Reddish speaks volumes about the direction of the program under Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden. Reddish’s commitment also underlines how well the staff has been able to identify and prioritize players who not only fit their system on the field but embody the values of the university off of it.

In the case of Reddish, Notre Dame is getting a competitor whose impact goes beyond the stat sheet. A physical player with solid instincts and impressive burst, Reddish excels at tracking plays from sideline to sideline. He’s equally adept in run support as he is playing deep in coverage, and he has an uncanny ability to disrupt passing lanes with excellent timing and anticipation. These traits made him a coveted recruit by Power Five programs, but ultimately it was Notre Dame that resonated most deeply with the North Carolina native.

Sources close to Reddish’s recruitment noted that his visit to South Bend was the pivotal moment. The atmosphere, tradition, and educational opportunities presented by Notre Dame were significant factors, but the personal connections he made during the visit were the difference. Meeting with the coaching staff, experiencing the campus, and interacting with current players helped him visualize his future in gold and blue.

“The visit to Notre Dame just felt right,” Reddish said in a brief statement. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. The coaching staff made it clear that they believe in me, and I believe in what they’re building. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Reddish becomes the latest addition to Notre Dame’s 2026 class, which is steadily building momentum. While the Irish have been in pursuit of several blue-chip talents across various positions, the commitment of a hard-nosed safety like Reddish brings both immediate upside and long-term value. He may not have the five-star label, but Reddish brings an edge that can’t be coached — a relentless motor, a commitment to excellence, and a hunger to prove himself at the highest level.

At his size, Reddish may project as either a strong safety or even a hybrid rover in Notre Dame’s scheme, depending on how his frame develops in college. His film shows a player unafraid to lower his shoulder and bring down ball carriers, but also one who reads quarterbacks well and breaks quickly on passes. His versatility is part of what makes him such an intriguing prospect for Golden’s defense, which has emphasized positional flexibility and aggressive play in the secondary.

While Notre Dame’s recruiting class still has several high-profile targets on the board, Reddish’s commitment brings something invaluable: the tone-setting presence of a player who embraces the grind. He’s a player who will come in ready to compete, absorb the playbook, and find his place on special teams or in sub-packages early on, with an eye on a bigger role down the line.

And don’t be surprised if this commitment helps Notre Dame gain even more traction in the Southeast, a region the Irish have worked hard to recruit in recent years. With Reddish on board, other North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic talents may take notice of what Freeman is building. Reddish is well-connected among other players in the Carolinas, and his decision to go north rather than stay closer to home could have a ripple effect across the region.

Virginia Tech was believed to be a strong contender until late in the process, having hosted Reddish multiple times and presented an attractive depth chart. Wisconsin and Indiana also made strong impressions with their facilities and player development plans. Still, Notre Dame’s blend of academics, tradition, and a forward-thinking coaching staff ultimately proved too difficult to beat.

Reddish’s high school coach has long touted his leadership and maturity, two traits that Notre Dame coaches are known to prioritize heavily in their evaluation process. “Nick is one of those guys who just gets it,” his coach said earlier this spring. “He watches film like a college kid already, he takes every rep seriously, and he makes the guys around him better. Whoever lands him is getting a future captain-type player.”

As the Irish continue building out their 2026 class, Reddish is expected to be one of the foundational pieces. He may not grab headlines like a five-star defensive back, but his presence in the locker room and on the field will likely have an outsized impact over the next several years. He represents the type of player Freeman and Golden have targeted: tough, coachable, intelligent, and driven.

For Reddish, the chance to be a part of Notre Dame’s defensive resurgence and make a mark in South Bend is something he doesn’t take lightly. He knows the expectations that come with wearing the golden helmet, and he’s ready to embrace them head-on.

“I want to represent my family, my city, and this program the right way,” Reddish said. “I know what Notre Dame stands for, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”

With the commitment of Nick Reddish now official, Notre Dame fans have another reason to be optimistic about the future of the defense. He brings grit, focus, and a desire to be great — all trademarks of the Irish identity under Marcus Freeman.

This may be just one commitment in a long recruiting cycle, but make no mistake — Reddish’s decision sends a clear message: Notre Dame continues to be a national recruiting force capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone, anywhere.

And for Nick Reddish, the journey is just beginning. The Golden Dome is calling — and he’s answering with pride.