Top Kansas Tight End Recruit Ian Premner Chooses Notre Dame Over Big 12 Powerhouses in Major Recruiting Victory for Irish
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have added a significant piece to their 2026 recruiting class, landing the commitment of tight end Ian Premner, the top-ranked recruit in the state of Kansas. Premner’s decision to don the gold helmet and join the storied program in South Bend is one of the more impactful moments of this recruiting cycle, not only for Notre Dame but also within the larger college football landscape. As the Fighting Irish continue to reassert themselves among the nation’s elite, the acquisition of a top-tier tight end prospect signals both the strength of their recruiting efforts and the prestige that still surrounds the program.
Ian Premner’s rise to national attention didn’t happen overnight. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound tight end from Wichita’s Andover Central High School exploded onto the scene during his junior season. With a rare blend of size, speed, hands, and blocking prowess, he quickly separated himself from others in his class. Premner showcased versatility rarely seen at his position, operating as both a traditional inline blocker and a pass-catching mismatch in spread formations. His production—68 receptions, 1,042 yards, and 14 touchdowns—underscored his ability to dominate against any defensive scheme.
More than just stats, though, Premner drew praise for his football IQ and leadership. Coaches across Kansas raved about his preparation, humility, and toughness. His tape became required viewing for recruiters across the country. Before long, the offers rolled in from all the usual suspects—Oklahoma, Kansas State, Nebraska, Michigan, Texas, and Alabama, to name a few. But it was Notre Dame’s relentless pursuit and personalized approach that ultimately won the day.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker made Premner a priority from the outset. Notre Dame’s reputation as “Tight End U” played no small part in Premner’s interest. With a long list of NFL tight ends including Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, Cole Kmet, and Michael Mayer having come through South Bend, the Irish offer wasn’t just about college glory—it was a pathway to the pros. That legacy deeply resonated with Premner, who has NFL aspirations of his own.
“Notre Dame just felt like home,” Premner said in a statement following his announcement. “I felt a real connection with the coaching staff, and the tradition of great tight ends there is something I wanted to be a part of. It’s not just about football either—it’s about becoming the best version of myself on and off the field.”
Premner’s decision was not made lightly. According to sources close to the recruitment, the battle came down to Notre Dame and Kansas State. The Wildcats, led by Chris Klieman, pushed hard to keep the in-state star close to home. They offered Premner the chance to be a foundational piece of their offense, and a chance to help elevate Kansas State to even greater national relevance. Oklahoma also made a late push, as did Michigan, but by the time June official visits concluded, Notre Dame had surged ahead.
The significance of Premner’s commitment cannot be overstated. For Notre Dame, it further cements their position as a dominant force in the Midwest and in national recruiting circles. He becomes the third top-100 player in their 2026 class, and the second blue-chip offensive weapon alongside four-star quarterback Micah Jackson out of Texas. That pairing—Jackson to Premner—has Irish fans buzzing about the future.
Tight end recruiting is a unique niche. Unlike skill positions like wide receiver or running back, the tight end must master a wide range of responsibilities: route running, blocking, and adapting to multiple offensive roles. In Ian Premner, Notre Dame has found a player capable of doing it all. His high school coach, Mike Wallace, praised his work ethic and mentality.
“Ian is the kind of kid who stays late after practice, asking for film, lifting extra, running routes in the rain,” Wallace said. “He’s the most complete player I’ve coached in 20 years. Notre Dame’s getting a leader, a competitor, and someone who will represent their values the right way.”
For Kansas football fans, the news is bittersweet. While the state has produced top recruits in recent years, keeping those talents at home has always been a challenge. With programs like Kansas and Kansas State improving under Lance Leipold and Klieman, expectations had been that a player like Premner might be the breakthrough local commitment. But ultimately, the allure of Notre Dame and the promise of development at the highest level were too much to pass up.
What does this mean for Notre Dame’s offense going forward? If history is any indication, Ian Premner will be used in creative, dynamic ways. In an era where tight ends are evolving into central offensive weapons—see Travis Kelce and George Kittle—the Irish are positioning Premner to be their version of that hybrid threat. With his athletic profile and commitment to learning, there’s a strong possibility that Premner could see playing time as early as his freshman year.
His commitment also sends a message to other top recruits. Notre Dame, under Marcus Freeman, is not resting on history. They’re building something current and formidable. Freeman’s staff has been aggressive, smart, and forward-thinking in their recruiting, and adding a high-character, high-talent individual like Premner only boosts that momentum.
This is the kind of recruitment win that reverberates beyond a single roster spot. Other offensive recruits—receivers, quarterbacks, linemen—now see that Notre Dame is attracting the type of talent needed to compete with the SEC and Big Ten powers. It also helps in future classes, as high school underclassmen watch a peer make that choice and potentially follow suit.
Recruiting analysts have lauded Notre Dame’s strategy in the 2026 cycle. While the Irish don’t always chase the flashiest names, they’ve been laser-focused on culture fits—players who excel athletically and academically, who buy into the program’s values, and who can contribute early and often. Premner is the prototype in that mold.
Notre Dame’s class now ranks in the top 5 nationally, thanks in part to this commitment. And while much of the focus will remain on quarterback recruiting—where Micah Jackson leads a promising future—the addition of a premier tight end like Premner gives the offense a balanced identity. It’s also worth noting that Ian has already started recruiting for the Irish himself, reaching out to other targets and spreading the message that Notre Dame is a place where serious football meets serious development.
As for what comes next, Premner will return to Andover Central for his senior season with a weight off his shoulders. He’s expected to dominate once again in the Kansas high school circuit and continue refining his skills. In interviews, he’s expressed an interest in enrolling early at Notre Dame, allowing him to get a jump on spring practice and start building chemistry with future teammates.
There will always be speculation around top recruits—rumors of flips, surprise visits, and last-minute changes. But by all accounts, Ian Premner is solidly locked in with Notre Dame. The way he’s spoken about the program, its tradition, and its trajectory leaves little doubt that this is where he wants to be.
In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, landing the best player in any state—especially one with as much potential as Premner—is a major victory. Doing so against top-tier competition from within the region and beyond makes it all the more impressive. Notre Dame didn’t just win a recruitment—they secured a future pillar of their offense.
Premner’s journey from Kansas standout to Notre Dame commit reflects what’s still possible in college football. Despite the noise, the drama, and the business aspects of recruiting, there remains a purity in watching a young man choose a place for its legacy, its coaching, and its community. That’s the kind of story Notre Dame has always been about.
And now, with Ian Premner onboard, the next chapter in that story promises to be every bit as exciting as those that came before.
