“BREAKING: 3 Safety Nick Reddish Commits to Notre Dame Over Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Indiana After June 13th Visit”
Nick Reddish’s football journey took a monumental turn as the 2026 three-star safety officially committed to the University of Notre Dame, marking another pivotal addition to the Fighting Irish’s growing recruiting class. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound defender announced his decision shortly after wrapping up his official visit to the Notre Dame campus on June 13th. His commitment comes as a major recruiting win for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, especially given the level of competition the program faced in the process. Reddish chose Notre Dame over strong pushes from Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Indiana—three respected programs that had aggressively recruited the athletic and instinctive safety throughout the spring.
For Notre Dame, the commitment of Nick Reddish underscores a broader strategic priority in its recruiting approach: securing versatile, high-upside defensive backs who can anchor the secondary for years to come. Reddish may be rated as a three-star prospect nationally—ranked 681st overall and 57th at his position—but his film tells a more compelling story. A relentless ball hawk with the speed to cover ground and the physicality to bring down larger ball carriers, Reddish offers the type of skillset that often flies under the radar but becomes invaluable on Saturdays. Notre Dame’s coaching staff, particularly safeties coach Chris O’Leary and defensive coordinator Al Golden, took early notice of Reddish’s potential. They not only extended an offer but maintained constant contact, building a relationship that ultimately proved decisive.
What stood out during Reddish’s recruitment was the deliberate way he approached the process. He made official visits to all four of his finalists—Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Indiana—before rendering his decision. Each visit helped paint a clearer picture of the program’s vision for him, both on the field and academically. According to sources close to his recruitment, Reddish was particularly impressed by the emphasis Notre Dame placed on life beyond football. The university’s combination of elite academics, national exposure, and a defensive tradition rooted in excellence checked every box for the North Carolina native and his family.
His June 13th visit reportedly sealed the deal. During his time in South Bend, Reddish toured the campus, spent extensive time with the coaching staff, and observed team workouts. But perhaps most significantly, he got a feel for the culture. The camaraderie among players, the structure of the strength and conditioning program, and the transparency in player development plans made a lasting impression. Marcus Freeman’s vision for the defense, one that blends old-school toughness with modern adaptability, aligned perfectly with Reddish’s playing style and personality.
On the field, Reddish brings a versatile toolkit to the safety position. His game is predicated on instincts and awareness, which allow him to anticipate plays and get a jump on the ball. Whether he’s playing in a deep zone, covering the slot, or crashing down to stop the run, Reddish exhibits a natural football IQ and decisive movement that are rare for players at his age. At 5’11” and 185 pounds, he’s compact yet powerful, with a willingness to engage at the point of attack. His junior season highlight reel showcases a player who not only leads with effort but understands the nuances of positioning, leverage, and timing. It’s no surprise then that multiple Power Five schools saw him as a future defensive leader.
Virginia Tech was considered a strong contender in Reddish’s recruitment. The Hokies made an early push and emphasized the opportunity for early playing time in a defensive scheme that mirrors Reddish’s strengths. Wisconsin offered stability and tradition, particularly in developing defensive talent for the NFL. Indiana, too, made a compelling case, highlighting their commitment to player development and their need for secondary reinforcements. Yet, even with these options on the table, Reddish found something different at Notre Dame—something that extended beyond facilities and depth charts.
Reddish’s commitment comes at a time when Notre Dame is making an assertive statement on the recruiting trail, especially in the 2026 cycle. The Fighting Irish have made significant strides in targeting key positions of need while also maintaining their high academic standards. Marcus Freeman has demonstrated that it’s possible to recruit elite athletic talent without compromising the values and traditions that define Notre Dame. With Reddish in the fold, the Irish gain not only a high-upside athlete but also a player whose character and discipline fit seamlessly with the team’s ethos.
The impact of Reddish’s commitment is multifaceted. From a recruiting standpoint, it sends a clear message to other prospects across the country: Notre Dame is serious about building something sustainable and championship-caliber. It also adds momentum as the Irish continue to pursue other high-priority targets in the defensive backfield. Current commits have already begun reaching out to Reddish, welcoming him into the fold and creating a sense of unity that has become a hallmark of Freeman’s approach. Chemistry within a recruiting class often translates into chemistry on the field, and the 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most cohesive in recent memory.
Additionally, Reddish provides depth and flexibility within the defensive structure. While he’ll likely begin his college career as a free safety or hybrid nickel, his development could allow for transitions into multiple roles depending on team needs. His coachability, attention to detail, and self-motivation make him a strong candidate to become an early contributor on special teams and potentially push for snaps as a true freshman. That level of competitiveness—combined with humility and work ethic—is precisely why Notre Dame went all-in on his recruitment.
From a broader perspective, Reddish’s story is a reminder of how much the recruiting landscape has evolved. No longer are programs simply chasing star rankings or flashy highlight clips. Coaches are looking for players who bring leadership, adaptability, and a growth mindset. Reddish, with his underdog mentality and relentless drive, embodies that modern archetype. He’s not just a defensive back; he’s a program-builder—a player who can set a tone both in the locker room and on the field.
For fans of the Fighting Irish, this commitment offers plenty of reasons for optimism. Notre Dame has always prided itself on having a smart, disciplined, and physical defense. With Reddish joining the ranks, that identity only strengthens. He’ll bring the kind of attitude that inspires teammates and frustrates opposing offenses. Whether it’s breaking up a pass on third down, filling a gap in run support, or directing traffic in the secondary, Reddish will be a name Irish fans hear often in the coming years.
Recruiting wins like this don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of countless hours of evaluation, relationship-building, and strategic vision. Marcus Freeman, in particular, continues to prove he has a keen eye for underappreciated talent that fits Notre Dame’s mold. With every new commitment, he is putting his stamp on a roster that looks increasingly capable of contending at the highest level of college football.
As for Reddish, the next chapter of his football journey is already underway. He’ll continue to develop physically and mentally in his senior year of high school, knowing that the demands of Power Five football await him. But if his track record is any indication, he’ll embrace those challenges head-on. The commitment to Notre Dame isn’t the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a journey defined by opportunity, discipline, and purpose.
In a recruiting class already loaded with promise, Nick Reddish adds a different kind of value. He’s the glue guy. The one who may not always grab headlines but will always make plays. The one who stays late at practice and keeps teammates accountable. And perhaps most importantly, the one who understands what it means to wear the gold helmet on Saturdays in South Bend. For Notre Dame fans, that’s worth more than any ranking. It’s the promise of another defender ready to carry on the Irish tradition—one tackle, one interception, and one leadership moment at a time.
