Fighting Irish Secure Future Star: Four-Star Linebacker Jakobe Clapper Commits to Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have landed a major piece of their defensive future, securing a commitment from four-star linebacker Jakobe Clapper. The athletic and instinctive defender announced his decision on Thursday, choosing the Irish over a host of other national powerhouses that included Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. His commitment not only strengthens Notre Dame’s already impressive 2026 recruiting class but signals another victory for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff in their continued effort to build an elite-level defense rooted in versatility, speed, and physicality.
Clapper, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker from Liberty Hill High School in Texas, is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded prospects at his position in the 2026 cycle. He possesses the ideal frame for a modern linebacker, combining sideline-to-sideline speed with excellent tackling technique and the kind of football IQ that can’t be coached. He is known for reading plays before they fully develop and has drawn comparisons to some of the most productive college linebackers in recent memory. Ranked as the No. 6 linebacker nationally and a top-100 overall recruit by multiple scouting services, Clapper is the type of player who could be a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s defense for years to come.
For Notre Dame, Clapper represents more than just another talented addition to the roster. His commitment is emblematic of the program’s expanding reach and growing credibility when it comes to securing top-tier talent from football-rich regions like Texas. Over the last few recruiting cycles, Notre Dame has quietly but steadily carved out a niche in the Lone Star State, and Clapper’s pledge is perhaps the most significant example of that trend. While Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden had to fend off intense competition, their clear and consistent vision for Clapper’s development played a key role in the linebacker’s decision.
Speaking with reporters after his announcement, Clapper emphasized the unique connection he felt with the Notre Dame coaching staff. “From the beginning, Coach Freeman made it clear that they see me as a central part of what they’re building,” Clapper said. “It’s more than just football at Notre Dame — it’s the culture, the brotherhood, and the chance to grow both on and off the field that really stood out to me. I believe in their vision, and I want to be a part of that.”
It’s easy to understand why Notre Dame pursued Clapper so aggressively. On film, he stands out as a playmaker capable of doing it all. Whether it’s blitzing off the edge, dropping into coverage against tight ends and slot receivers, or cleaning up in run support, Clapper consistently shows elite-level instincts and physicality. At Liberty Hill, he recorded over 110 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and four sacks in his junior season, earning All-State honors in the process. But perhaps even more impressive is his off-field demeanor — a natural leader in the locker room and an honor student in the classroom.
In today’s era of college football, recruiting isn’t just about landing talented players — it’s about finding the right fits, both schematically and culturally. Clapper checks every box for the Irish. As a linebacker, he projects to play the WILL position in Notre Dame’s 4-2-5 alignment, where his speed and coverage skills will be maximized. He’s not just a physical presence in the box — he’s also a cerebral player who can quarterback the defense and adjust alignments based on pre-snap reads. That’s a rare trait in a high school prospect and something that Notre Dame’s staff keyed in on early in their evaluation.
From a broader perspective, Clapper’s commitment also sends a message about Notre Dame’s momentum on the recruiting trail. The Irish have now landed five top-150 players in the 2026 class, and Clapper might be the most important yet given the premium placed on linebacker play in Freeman’s defensive philosophy. His pledge also marks a continuation of Notre Dame’s emphasis on building a defense with interchangeable parts — defenders who can adapt, disguise, and disrupt. In an era where offenses are faster and more dynamic than ever, that kind of adaptability is invaluable.
The process of landing Clapper didn’t come easy. Programs like Michigan and Penn State made strong pushes, with each offering early and building relationships that lasted well over a year. Texas A&M and Tennessee also presented compelling cases, using their SEC status and aggressive NIL strategies to try and lure Clapper into staying closer to home. But ultimately, the consistency of Notre Dame’s message — combined with the trust built between Clapper and the coaching staff — proved to be the deciding factor.
Clapper’s high school coach, Justin Brewer, offered high praise for his star linebacker and credited Notre Dame with recognizing not just the athlete, but the person. “Jakobe is the kind of kid who shows up every day ready to work,” Brewer said. “He’s not just talented — he’s dedicated, he’s humble, and he wants to be great. Notre Dame is getting a guy who will lead by example and elevate everyone around him. They saw that early, and I think that’s what really made the difference.”
In South Bend, the excitement surrounding Clapper’s commitment is palpable. Irish fans have long prided themselves on a tradition of elite linebacker play, from Manti Te’o to Jaylon Smith to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Clapper brings a new dimension to that lineage — a modern linebacker built for a game that demands speed and coverage ability just as much as raw toughness. He may not be on campus yet, but he already carries the expectations of being the next great Irish defender.
While it’s too early to project when Clapper might see the field for Notre Dame, early indicators suggest he’ll have a chance to contribute sooner rather than later. With veteran linebackers expected to graduate following the 2025 season, there will be opportunities for a player of Clapper’s caliber to make an immediate impact. His ability to contribute on special teams, combined with his football intelligence and versatility, could see him earn a role in the rotation as early as his freshman year. But regardless of how quickly he sees the field, his long-term upside is what has the Irish staff most excited.
The commitment also highlights the recruiting prowess of head coach Marcus Freeman, who has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most effective recruiters in college football. Freeman’s background as a former linebacker and defensive coordinator gives him instant credibility with players like Clapper, and his energy and authenticity continue to resonate with top prospects across the country. Under Freeman’s leadership, Notre Dame is not just recruiting at a higher level — it’s recruiting with purpose, targeting players who reflect the values and identity of the program.
Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory, and Clapper’s pledge only adds to that momentum. With additional targets still on the board — including elite edge rushers and defensive backs — the Irish are positioning themselves for a potential top-five finish nationally. That kind of success on the trail doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a product of alignment, vision, and tireless effort. And with Clapper now in the fold, Notre Dame has taken another significant step toward building a championship-caliber defense.
For Jakobe Clapper, the decision is made, but the work is just beginning. As he prepares for his senior season at Liberty Hill, he does so with the confidence of knowing where his future lies — in South Bend, wearing the blue and gold, and competing on one of college football’s biggest stages. He will bring with him not just talent, but toughness, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. And for Notre Dame, that’s exactly what they were hoping for.
With Clapper’s commitment, the Irish continue to prove they can win national recruiting battles and identify program-defining players. He may not suit up for another year and a half, but there’s already a buzz in the air. Jakobe Clapper is coming to Notre Dame — and he’s ready to make an impact.
