Elite Kansas Tight End Ian Premer Commits to Notre Dame, Adding Another Star Weapon to the Irish’s 2026 Recruiting Class
The University of Notre Dame has added another crucial piece to its ever-evolving football future with the commitment of elite 2026 tight end Ian Premer. The Great Bend, Kansas native and multi-sport standout officially pledged to the Fighting Irish, choosing Notre Dame over competing offers from Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State. This commitment not only bolsters Notre Dame’s strong tradition at the tight end position but also represents a significant recruiting win in the Midwest for a program determined to remain among college football’s elite.
Premer’s commitment is a major splash on multiple levels. Not only is he ranked as the top tight end in the state of Kansas for the 2026 cycle, but he’s also widely viewed as one of the best athletes in the region, regardless of position. His dominance on the field in both football and basketball has made him a household name in recruiting circles. His blend of size, speed, body control, and hands makes him a nightmare matchup for defenders and a dream target for quarterbacks.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in around 225 pounds, Premer is the prototypical modern tight end — versatile enough to line up in-line, in the slot, or split wide. He has a unique ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties with his quick first step, physical route running, and dependable hands. As a junior, he posted impressive stats while facing constant double teams. His production and his tape both tell the story of a player with not just elite talent, but elite work ethic and football IQ.
His commitment to Notre Dame carries extra weight because of what he represents: a player from Big 12 country who chose the Irish over local powers and emerging regional contenders. In doing so, Premer becomes one of the first key commitments of what is shaping up to be a promising 2026 recruiting class for Marcus Freeman and his staff. Freeman, now entering his third full recruiting cycle as head coach, has emphasized bringing in high-character, high-upside athletes who fit both the athletic and academic culture of South Bend. Premer checks every box.
The decision didn’t come overnight for Premer, who has been on the radar of major programs since his sophomore year. He took unofficial visits to several programs across the Midwest and beyond, and his recruitment began heating up significantly after an outstanding junior season. According to those close to his recruitment, Notre Dame’s consistency and vision ultimately swayed him.
What helped seal the deal was the Irish’s history of developing tight ends and sending them to the NFL. From Kyle Rudolph to Tyler Eifert, Cole Kmet, and most recently Michael Mayer, Notre Dame has long been considered “Tight End U” — and Premer is now the next player hoping to follow in those footsteps. During his campus visit in South Bend, he spent time with tight ends coach Mike Denbrock and head coach Marcus Freeman, and both left strong impressions on the young prospect and his family.
Premer’s football future looks incredibly bright, but his athletic background adds another layer of intrigue. A standout on the basketball court as well, Premer’s agility, coordination, and vertical ability are enhanced by his time on the hardwood. He’s often praised for his rebounding instincts, footwork, and physicality — all traits that translate well to the tight end position. His multi-sport profile only adds to his ceiling as a football player.
In interviews, Premer has consistently spoken about the importance of finding a school that values academics and long-term development. Notre Dame’s commitment to academic excellence played a crucial role in his decision. The program’s reputation for balancing elite athletics with world-class education aligned perfectly with Premer’s personal goals and his family’s values.
From a schematic standpoint, Premer fits well into Notre Dame’s evolving offensive identity. With Denbrock rejoining the staff after his recent stint at LSU, the Irish are poised to integrate more dynamic tight end usage into their offensive scheme. Denbrock has a long history of maximizing the talents of hybrid playmakers, and Premer projects to be a foundational piece of that plan by the time he arrives on campus in 2026.
Notre Dame’s 2026 class had already begun taking shape before Premer’s commitment, but his addition raises the group’s ceiling significantly. Recruiting analysts predict that Premer’s pledge could trigger additional momentum, particularly among skill position players who want to play alongside a talent of his caliber. The Irish are already in strong standing with several top quarterbacks and wide receivers in the 2026 cycle, and landing a nationally recognized tight end helps further cement Notre Dame as an attractive destination for offensive talent.
While Premer’s college decision has now been made, the spotlight will only grow brighter during his senior year at Great Bend High School. He will enter the season with major expectations, both from fans and scouts. Local teams will undoubtedly plan their entire defensive gameplans around trying to contain him, though few have had success doing so in the past. If anything, the increased attention could give Premer even more chances to show just how dominant he can be when the lights are brightest.
Notre Dame fans will undoubtedly be eager to follow his progress over the next year, watching his final high school season unfold and imagining how he’ll fit into the Irish’s offense in the years to come. With his combination of size, skill, and leadership, it’s not a stretch to imagine Premer eventually becoming a team captain at Notre Dame — a player not only trusted to make plays on Saturdays but also to set the tone in the locker room and on the practice field.
Looking at the broader picture, Premer’s commitment underscores Notre Dame’s continued strength in national recruiting, especially in areas outside their traditional base. Kansas isn’t typically known as a hotbed of elite talent, which makes Premer’s recruitment all the more significant. The Irish didn’t simply stumble into a blue-chip prospect in their backyard — they went into another team’s territory and won a tough, competitive battle for one of the best players in the Midwest.
Recruiting battles like this one are what separate good programs from great ones. Marcus Freeman and his staff have made a concerted effort to build deep relationships with prospects and families early in the process, and Premer’s recruitment is a textbook example of that strategy paying off. The trust that was built, the vision that was communicated, and the consistency shown over months — all of it mattered.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve with the influence of NIL, the transfer portal, and conference realignment, programs that can maintain identity and culture while adapting strategically will be the ones that thrive. Notre Dame’s approach to recruiting — built on tradition, development, and relationships — continues to resonate with players like Ian Premer, who see the value of committing to more than just football.
In Ian Premer, Notre Dame gets more than a talented tight end. They get a culture fit. A competitor. A leader. A student. A teammate. And most importantly, a player who believes in the vision of Marcus Freeman and is ready to write the next chapter in the long legacy of Irish tight ends.
There is still much time before Premer officially dons the gold helmet and runs out of the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium, but his commitment already has fans buzzing and coaches smiling. The Fighting Irish landed a good one — and all signs point to Ian Premer being a name Notre Dame fans will be cheering for on Saturdays in the very near future.
