Top 2026 Tight End Ian Premer Chooses Notre Dame Over In-State Programs and Iowa State in Major Recruiting Win
Ian Premer, a standout four-star tight end prospect from Great Bend, Kansas, has officially committed to play college football at Notre Dame, choosing the storied Fighting Irish program over a strong set of finalists that included Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound playmaker becomes one of the highest-rated recruits in the state of Kansas for the 2026 cycle and a significant addition to Notre Dame’s nationally prominent recruiting class.
This commitment represents a major recruiting victory for Notre Dame, which has aggressively pursued Premer for over a year. The Irish coaching staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman and tight ends coach Gerad Parker, made Premer a top priority early in the cycle. Their consistent communication, on-campus experience, and Notre Dame’s legacy of developing elite tight ends played pivotal roles in securing his pledge. Over the years, Notre Dame has built a reputation for producing NFL-ready talent at the tight end position, with names like Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, Cole Kmet, and Michael Mayer all flourishing in South Bend before making their way to the pros. That lineage was not lost on Premer, who referenced the school’s tight end history multiple times throughout the recruiting process.
From a football standpoint, Premer is a dynamic prospect with an impressive blend of size, athleticism, and coordination. He’s a mismatch nightmare for defenders, capable of lining up as a traditional in-line tight end, flexing out wide like a receiver, or operating from the slot. His route-running precision, catch radius, and soft hands make him a reliable target in the passing game. Meanwhile, his frame offers room to add weight and strength without sacrificing mobility, something that Notre Dame’s strength and conditioning program will be eager to develop.
During his junior season at Great Bend High School, Premer hauled in over 700 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns on a modest number of targets, showcasing his ability to make the most of every opportunity. He also played defensive end, registering a number of tackles for loss and sacks, underscoring his physicality and all-around football instincts. While college coaches were most interested in his offensive upside, his two-way play made it clear that Premer is more than just a specialized athlete—he’s a complete football player.
His commitment comes as Notre Dame continues to shape one of the top 2026 recruiting classes in the country. In recent years, the Irish have elevated their recruiting profile, competing more consistently with powerhouse programs from the SEC and Big Ten. Securing a top-tier prospect from Big 12 country—and one from a region traditionally dominated by Kansas State and Oklahoma—is evidence of Notre Dame’s expanding national reach and recruiting strategy. While Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State all made strong pushes and were considered serious contenders at various points, Notre Dame’s development pitch, academic reputation, and football tradition ultimately won out.
Kansas State, in particular, was believed to be a strong challenger. The Wildcats have had notable recruiting success in-state in recent years and leaned heavily into the relationships built by head coach Chris Klieman and his staff. Premer visited K-State multiple times and had built strong rapport with their coaches. However, the opportunity to play on a national stage while developing within one of the premier tight end systems in college football proved too much to pass up.
Kansas, under Lance Leipold, also worked hard to keep the local star in-state, especially given their recent momentum on the recruiting trail. Premer had unofficially visited the Jayhawks’ campus several times and was seen as a critical part of their effort to build a stronger regional base. Iowa State also maintained regular contact and made a strong impression with its player-first culture and family-oriented approach. Nonetheless, none of the three programs could match the combination of football prestige, position-specific development, and educational reputation that Notre Dame brings to the table.
The importance of this commitment cannot be overstated, both for Notre Dame’s class and for the broader recruiting narrative of the Midwest. Recruiting analysts have noted that Premer’s commitment signals Notre Dame’s ability to penetrate areas traditionally dominated by other programs. With the recent success of Kansas and Kansas State in building competitive teams, this win on the trail helps Notre Dame reassert its dominance and reach into fertile recruiting areas. It also serves as a message to top players in less traditional recruiting hotbeds that Notre Dame is serious about finding talent wherever it may be and offering a comprehensive development plan that goes far beyond football.
Off the field, Premer is equally impressive. He maintains a high GPA, is active in student leadership, and is widely regarded as a mature, grounded presence in the locker room and community. His decision to choose Notre Dame reflects a desire not only to play big-time college football but to pursue an elite academic and personal development path. He’s spoken often about the importance of being challenged in the classroom as well as on the field, and Notre Dame offers the unique ability to provide both in equal measure.
In terms of team fit, Premer should have a real opportunity to contribute early in his career. While Notre Dame traditionally redshirts its tight ends to help with physical development and playbook mastery, Premer’s polish as a route-runner and his comfort catching the ball in traffic could fast-track his involvement in certain packages. The Irish frequently utilize multiple tight end sets, making it likely that Premer will find a role relatively quickly even if he isn’t the primary starter from day one. His versatility could allow him to be moved around the formation to create mismatches and force opposing defenses into uncomfortable coverages.
Recruiting services currently rank Premer among the top ten tight ends nationally for the 2026 class, with room to rise further as he continues to develop. His blend of measurable traits and on-field productivity has evaluators buzzing, and it would not be surprising to see him move into five-star consideration should he continue to dominate during his senior season. Scouts particularly praise his body control, football IQ, and fluid movement skills—all rare attributes for a player his size.
Now that his commitment is public, Premer has already begun to take on a leadership role in Notre Dame’s 2026 class. He’s expected to be an active recruiter for the Irish, helping to bring other top players into the fold. These kinds of peer-to-peer relationships are critical in modern recruiting, and Notre Dame’s staff is thrilled to have someone with Premer’s presence and passion helping to build momentum. Already, he’s connected with several other top offensive targets and has mentioned wanting to build a class that can compete for a national championship.
From a community standpoint, his commitment has generated significant buzz in his hometown of Great Bend and across the state of Kansas. For a region that doesn’t frequently produce national recruits, Premer’s rise has been both exciting and inspirational. His journey from local standout to national blue-chip prospect offers a blueprint for other young athletes in smaller towns, and his decision to choose a top-tier academic institution further elevates his status as a role model.
In many ways, Ian Premer’s commitment to Notre Dame is about more than just football. It’s about aligning values, seizing opportunity, and believing in a long-term vision. Notre Dame didn’t just win a recruiting battle—they secured a player who embodies what their program is about: excellence, leadership, and potential realized through hard work. As the Irish look ahead to future seasons, Premer is expected to play a major role in their continued success on the field and in the locker room.
With the recruiting process behind him, Premer can now focus on his senior season, where expectations will be sky-high. He’ll look to build on his already-impressive resume, lead his team deep into the playoffs, and continue refining the skills that made him one of the most coveted tight end prospects in the nation. As he prepares to take the next step in his football journey, all eyes will be on South Bend—and the young man from Great Bend who chose to call it home.
