Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Welcomes Stellar Class of 2026: Future Stars Ready to Shine Under the Golden Dome
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program has once again assembled an impressive recruiting class, with the 2026 commitments showcasing a blend of elite talent, versatility, and championship potential. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have worked tirelessly to secure a group of young athletes who embody the values of Notre Dame—excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. This class is poised to make an immediate impact while upholding the storied tradition of Fighting Irish football.
Notre Dame’s quarterback room continues to flourish with the addition of Brady Smigiel, a 6’5”, 215-pound pro-style passer from Newbury Park, California. Smigiel brings a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ, drawing comparisons to former Irish greats. His ability to read defenses and deliver under pressure makes him a cornerstone of this class.
Joining him is Dia Bell, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback from American Heritage (Florida). Bell’s athleticism and playmaking ability add a new dimension to Notre Dame’s offense, ensuring the Irish have a quarterback who can extend plays and dominate both through the air and on the ground.
The Fighting Irish have secured two of the nation’s top running backs in Jordon Davison (Mater Dei, California) and James Simon (Calvary Baptist, Louisiana). Davison, a powerful 6’0”, 220-pound back, excels at breaking tackles and wearing down defenses, while Simon’s elite speed and vision make him a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
At wide receiver, Notre Dame landed Derek Meadows, a 6’5” deep threat from Bishop Gorman (Nevada), and Cortez Mills, a speedy playmaker from Homestead (Florida). Meadows’ size and ball skills make him a nightmare for defensive backs, while Mills’ route-running and after-the-catch ability will be a perfect fit in Notre Dame’s offensive scheme.
A championship team is built in the trenches, and the Irish have loaded up on elite linemen. On the offensive side, Will Black (6’7”, 290 lbs, CT) and Matty Augustine (6’6”, 285 lbs, NJ) are massive tackles with the footwork and strength to anchor the line for years. Their commitment ensures Notre Dame’s offensive front remains among the best in college football.
Defensively, the Irish secured Damien Shanklin, a relentless edge rusher from Indianapolis, and Joseph Reiff, a disruptive interior lineman from Illinois. Shanklin’s explosiveness off the edge gives Notre Dame a future star pass-rusher, while Reiff’s ability to clog running lanes and collapse the pocket will be invaluable.
Notre Dame’s linebacker tradition continues with Anthony Sacca, a hard-hitting, instinctive defender from St. Joseph’s Prep (Pennsylvania). Sacca’s football intelligence and tackling prowess make him an ideal fit for the Irish defense. Joining him is Dominik Hulak, a versatile linebacker who excels in coverage and run support, ensuring the Irish have depth and talent at the position.
The Fighting Irish secondary is set to become even more formidable with the additions of Mark Zackery, a shutdown corner from Indiana, and Dallas Golden, a ball-hawking safety from Florida. Zackery’s elite coverage skills and Golden’s range and instincts give Notre Dame a defensive backfield capable of shutting down opposing passing attacks.
Notre Dame also added key specialists, including kicker Liam Andrews, who boasts a powerful leg and clutch kicking ability. Additionally, the Irish secured several underrated prospects who could develop into key contributors, such as tight end James Flanigan and athlete CJ May, whose versatility allows him to play multiple positions.
The 2026 recruiting class is more than just a collection of talented players—it’s a group of young men who embody the spirit of Notre Dame. Their commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, ensures that the Fighting Irish will remain a national powerhouse for years to come. With a mix of five-star standouts and hidden gems, this class has the potential to bring championships back to South Bend.
As these recruits prepare to don the blue and gold, Notre Dame fans have every reason to be excited. The future is bright under the Golden Dome, and the class of 2026 is ready to leave its mark on college football history.
