Lucky Charms: Notre Dame Recruiting Notes from the Road in Texas
As spring continues to heat up across the high school football landscape, few programs are casting a wider net and generating more interest on the recruiting trail than Notre Dame. The Irish staff has been particularly active in the Lone Star State over the past few weeks, sending out offers, building relationships, and evaluating elite prospects who may one day call South Bend home. Texas, long regarded as one of the most talent-rich states in the country, remains a top priority for Marcus Freeman and his staff as they look to reload and reshape future rosters with high-upside talent and strong cultural fits.
The nickname “Lucky Charms” might seem lighthearted, but for Irish fans who’ve watched their school pull blue-chip talent out of Texas in recent years—from elite safety Peyton Bowen (who later flipped) to four-star edge commit Loghan Thomas in the current cycle—it’s a phrase that now carries weight. Whether it’s the promise of a nationally respected education, a strong tradition of excellence, or Freeman’s energetic vision for the program, Notre Dame’s appeal in Texas is real. And this latest swing through the state shows the Irish have no intention of letting up.
Notre Dame is casting a wide net, making stops at powerhouse programs from Dallas to Houston to San Antonio, zeroing in on a mix of rising juniors and seniors who bring athleticism, intelligence, and toughness. There’s a very specific type of player that fits the Notre Dame mold—and the staff appears laser-focused on finding those targets.
One of the top priorities during this Texas tour has been quarterback. Notre Dame has been deliberate in how it evaluates signal-callers, and Texas is a logical place to look for elite passers. Among the names generating the most buzz is Keegan Croucher, a Top-100 prospect who has caught the eye of several Power Five programs this spring. While Croucher isn’t from Texas, the Irish are using the region’s quarterback-centric showcases and spring events to continue getting live eyes on similar prospects.
Meanwhile, in the trenches, the Irish staff has been actively scouting the next wave of offensive linemen—a crucial component to Notre Dame’s identity. One name that continues to emerge is 2026 tackle Blake Thompson out of Allen High School, a physically imposing presence who has already drawn comparisons to former Irish standouts. Notre Dame’s evaluation of Thompson wasn’t a casual stop-by. They sent offensive line coach Joe Rudolph to personally observe Thompson’s footwork and pad level during live drills. Those types of visits, even if they don’t come with an immediate offer, tend to leave a lasting impression.
Notre Dame is also showing heavy interest in skill players across the state, particularly at wide receiver and defensive back. In the 2026 class, emerging receiver Bryston Jackson from Pearland has started to attract attention for his blend of size and speed. The Irish have yet to pull the trigger on an offer, but sources close to Jackson say he was thrilled by the visit and is hoping for further communication as summer camp season approaches.
In the defensive backfield, the Irish have their eye on 2025 cornerback Ashton Smith from DeSoto, who has length, range, and a competitive streak that fits what Al Golden’s defense demands. Smith already holds several SEC offers but was reportedly excited by the Irish interest, particularly given the program’s reputation for player development in the secondary. With the 2025 cycle nearing a more focused push, Smith could be a player that moves up Notre Dame’s board if they decide to pursue another DB before the fall.
In addition to identifying targets, Notre Dame has also been focused on solidifying relationships with prospects they’ve already offered. One such name is linebacker Chancellor Barclay, the recent Irish commit who hails from Ridge Point High School in Missouri City. Barclay’s commitment has sparked plenty of buzz in Texas recruiting circles, particularly because of how seamlessly he fits the Notre Dame profile—both athletically and academically. During their Texas trip, multiple Irish staffers visited Barclay’s school not only to reaffirm their excitement but to check in with his coaches and support system. By all accounts, the visit only further cemented the bond between Barclay and the Notre Dame staff.
In many ways, Barclay’s recruitment serves as a blueprint for how Notre Dame wants to operate in Texas: find early fits, build trust, and close with confidence. It’s a strategy that doesn’t always yield splashy headlines—but it produces results.
Another fascinating layer to Notre Dame’s Texas presence this cycle is how well they’ve connected with high school coaches. Unlike some schools that breeze in and out, Notre Dame’s staff takes time to sit with head coaches, meet with counselors, and engage with the people who truly understand a player’s character. This approach is appreciated in a state where football is personal and relationships often determine who gets in the door. According to multiple Texas coaches, Notre Dame has stood out for its professionalism and follow-through.
Of course, not every player Notre Dame evaluates or visits will end up on the offer list. Part of the process involves checking on known talents and seeing how they’ve progressed since previous seasons. But there’s also a discovery element, particularly when it comes to underclassmen. Sophomore safety Zion Ellis from North Shore is one example—he’s raw, but his blend of instincts and physicality prompted Notre Dame to take a closer look. He may not be a national name yet, but if the Irish stay ahead of the curve, they could be in a great position if his stock rises.
The trip through Texas also allows Notre Dame to evaluate how their message is resonating across different types of communities. Whether it’s suburban powerhouse programs or rural schools with gritty, under-the-radar players, the Irish are building something bigger than just a list of offers—they’re establishing a presence. And that presence is being felt.
Notre Dame’s ability to maintain a strong Texas footprint also speaks to the recruiting consistency Freeman has championed since taking over. Despite coaching turnover and the increasingly chaotic nature of the recruiting calendar, the Irish have remained methodical in how they target prospects. There’s a clear focus on fit—on finding players who not only love football but also understand and embrace the uniqueness of a Notre Dame education. That’s not always an easy sell in the NIL era, where quick payouts and instant exposure can drive decision-making. But for some Texas prospects, the idea of long-term development, a respected degree, and a shot at the NFL still holds enormous weight.
The Irish also benefit from a growing network of recent Notre Dame alumni who have connections to Texas, either through high school or current coaching roles. That pipeline provides credibility and helps demystify what it’s like to be a student-athlete in South Bend.
As spring turns to summer and official visits begin to take shape, Notre Dame will look to capitalize on the relationships built during this Texas swing. Expect the staff to bring several Lone Star targets to campus for visits in June, including some of the names mentioned here. If history is any guide, at least a few of them will end up Irish.
Notre Dame may not land every Texas prospect they pursue—but their persistence, planning, and presence make them a real contender for top-tier talent in the state. And while “Lucky Charms” might be a playful nod to the Irish brand, there’s nothing lucky about what Notre Dame is building in Texas. It’s strategy, it’s structure, and above all, it’s sincere.
