Excited Four-Star Tight End Grant Haviland Set to Attend Irish Invasion, Says Notre Dame Feels Like Home Already

When you’re a blue-chip football recruit with offers rolling in from across the country, choosing a college becomes about much more than just facilities or uniforms. It becomes about connection — relationships, environment, and that indescribable sense of belonging. For Grant Haviland, one of the most sought-after tight ends in the 2026 recruiting class, Notre Dame has checked all those boxes and more. Now, as he prepares to attend Notre Dame’s premier on-campus recruiting event — the Irish Invasion — his excitement is unmistakable.

Haviland, a four-star prospect out of Tuttle High School in Oklahoma, is no stranger to attention. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 230 pounds, he’s a prototypical modern tight end with the size to block and the agility to split out wide and create mismatches. He’s drawn interest from programs in every Power Five conference, and rightly so — his junior season tape is filled with clips of him running crisp routes, making tough catches in traffic, and dominating smaller defenders after the catch. But despite all the attention, it’s clear that Notre Dame has managed to carve out a special place in his recruitment.

“They’ve been one of the most consistent schools in showing love,” Haviland said recently. “It’s not just the coaches — it’s the people around the program. Everyone I’ve talked to that’s been there or played there, they tell me it’s just different. I want to see that for myself.”

He’ll get that chance on June 9, when he arrives in South Bend for Irish Invasion, a pivotal recruiting event that has served as a launching pad for many Notre Dame commitments in years past. The invite-only camp is designed to not just evaluate top-tier prospects, but also immerse them in the full Notre Dame experience — from the football culture to the academic standard to the storied tradition of the Golden Domers.

For Haviland, this trip represents more than just another visit. It’s a milestone.

“Getting up there and seeing it with my own eyes is huge,” he said. “I’ve heard so much about the atmosphere and how it’s a place that really changes you. I’m going up with an open mind, but I also want to compete. I want to show the staff what I can do. I think I can fit what they’re looking for at tight end.”

That’s music to Notre Dame’s ears. Tight end has long been a cornerstone position for the Irish, with a reputation for producing elite talent that transitions seamlessly to the NFL. From Tyler Eifert and Kyle Rudolph to more recent standouts like Michael Mayer and Mitchell Evans, the position has been synonymous with toughness, intelligence, and versatility — three traits Haviland exudes on film and in interviews.

Haviland says he’s well aware of that tradition. It’s part of what draws him to Notre Dame in the first place.

“They use their tight ends in so many ways,” he said. “I love that. Some places, you’re either a blocker or you’re a receiver. At Notre Dame, you’re both. You’re an all-around weapon. That’s how I see myself. I take pride in doing it all — setting the edge in the run game, running routes, being a red-zone target. Their system fits my strengths.”

It helps, too, that Notre Dame’s staff has put in the effort to build a genuine relationship with him, particularly new tight ends coach Mike Denbrock. Denbrock, who returned to Notre Dame this offseason after a successful stint at LSU, has wasted no time establishing connections with top targets like Haviland.

“Coach Denbrock is the real deal,” Haviland said. “He knows the position inside and out, and I can tell he’s someone who pushes his players to be great. Every time I talk to him, I feel like I’m learning something. We’ve had some really good conversations about how they’d use me and what it takes to succeed there.”

Those conversations are going to continue face-to-face at Irish Invasion, which will also give Haviland a chance to see the program’s elite facilities, spend time with current players, and maybe most importantly, get a feel for the culture and brotherhood that defines Notre Dame football. For a young man who values relationships and character as much as scheme and opportunity, that could be a turning point.

“The visit will tell me a lot,” Haviland said. “It’s about seeing if what I’ve been hearing lines up with what I feel. Can I see myself walking those halls every day? Can I see myself wearing that jersey and representing that brand? Those are the things I’ll be thinking about.”

And though Haviland is keeping his options open — he’s visited Oklahoma State and plans to see Michigan, Texas A&M, and Tennessee later this summer — it’s evident that Notre Dame has done more than just stay in the race. They’ve positioned themselves as a serious contender. The Irish have made him a priority, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I feel like a priority, not just a number,” Haviland said. “That matters to me. They’re not just checking boxes — they’re building real connections. Coach [Marcus] Freeman called me recently just to check in. That meant a lot. You don’t see that from every head coach.”

Haviland’s family has also played an important role in the process, particularly his parents, who’ve emphasized the importance of academics and character in a school. In that respect, Notre Dame’s blend of academic rigor and athletic excellence makes it a compelling package.

“They want me to find a place where I can grow, not just as a player but as a man,” he said. “Notre Dame stands out in that way. It’s not just about football — it’s about becoming a better version of yourself. I take that seriously.”

Haviland says he doesn’t have a hard timeline for a commitment yet but could see things accelerating after the summer visit circuit. He’s looking to narrow things down before his senior season and potentially announce a decision in the fall, depending on how he feels after seeing all the places he’s considering.

“Once I’ve seen the schools I want to see and talked things over with my family, I’ll know,” he said. “I don’t want to rush it, but I also don’t want to drag it out. When it feels right, I’ll commit.”

Could Notre Dame be that school? Based on his comments, the Irish certainly have a chance to make a lasting impression at Irish Invasion. If Haviland’s visit goes as well as expected, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Irish emerge as a leader in his recruitment — or even land a commitment down the road.

In the end, Haviland is looking for more than just a football powerhouse. He’s looking for a home. A place that pushes him, supports him, and prepares him for life beyond football. Notre Dame, with its combination of tradition, development, and values, may just be that place.

“I’m excited to get up there,” he said with a smile. “It’s Notre Dame. You don’t turn down that opportunity. I just want to soak it all in and see where it leads.”

As Haviland prepares for Irish Invasion, the Notre Dame staff, players, and fans will be watching closely. In a class where tight end is once again a key position, Grant Haviland might just be the next great name to continue the Irish legacy. And if his visit to South Bend delivers the experience he’s hoping for, that future could begin sooner rather than later.