Top-Ranked 2025 Tight End Ian Premer Officially Commits to Notre Dame, Giving Marcus Freeman Another Elite Offensive Weapon

Notre Dame football just secured one of the most coveted offensive weapons in the 2025 recruiting class, as four-star tight end Ian Premer officially announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish. Premer, considered one of the most complete and physically gifted tight ends in the nation, chose Notre Dame over a list of powerhouse programs, solidifying Marcus Freeman’s reputation for reeling in elite talent to South Bend.

The 6-foot-6, 215-pound tight end out of Elkhorn South High School in Omaha, Nebraska, is currently rated as the No. 3 tight end in the nation and the No. 76 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility has made him a national recruit since his breakout sophomore season, and his pledge to Notre Dame continues the Irish’s tradition of excellence at the tight end position.

For years, Notre Dame has been regarded as “Tight End U,” producing a long line of NFL-caliber players at the position, including Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, Cole Kmet, and most recently, Michael Mayer. With Ian Premer now in the fold, it’s clear the Irish plan to maintain that legacy deep into the future.

“I just felt like Notre Dame was the perfect fit for me, both on and off the field,” Premer said during his announcement. “The tradition, the academics, the coaching staff — everything about Notre Dame made me feel like this is where I belong.”

Premer’s commitment didn’t come easily for the Irish. Programs like Georgia, Michigan, Penn State, and Tennessee all made strong pushes for the dynamic tight end. His recruitment intensified over the last several months, especially after his dominant performances on the camp circuit and his junior season highlights making waves among college scouts. However, Notre Dame’s consistency, early relationship-building, and track record with developing tight ends ultimately won the day.

Tight ends coach Mike Denbrock played a crucial role in landing Premer. Denbrock, who returned to Notre Dame to rejoin Marcus Freeman’s staff, has been instrumental in developing elite talent over the years and his vision for Premer within the Irish offense was a major selling point.

“I’ve built a great relationship with Coach Denbrock,” Premer explained. “He knows how to use tight ends in different ways, and he really believes in me as a player. That trust means everything.”

Indeed, Premer projects as the type of tight end that can stretch the field, contribute as a blocker, and create mismatches all over the formation. His background as a multi-sport athlete — excelling in basketball and track — has provided him with impressive footwork, body control, and explosiveness that sets him apart from most prospects at his position.

Last fall, Premer showcased those skills on a weekly basis for Elkhorn South. He recorded 43 receptions for 718 yards and 11 touchdowns, proving to be a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. His ability to win contested catches, stretch the seams of the defense, and hold his own as an in-line blocker made him one of the most complete tight end prospects in the 2025 cycle.

Recruiting experts have praised Premer’s polished skill set, noting that his ceiling is incredibly high given his frame and athleticism. At 6-foot-6, he’s still filling out his body, but already possesses the fluid movement skills and natural ball skills of a top-tier receiving threat.

Beyond his on-field talents, Premer has also drawn rave reviews for his work ethic, leadership qualities, and academic focus — traits that align perfectly with Notre Dame’s culture.

“Ian is the type of young man who represents everything Notre Dame is about,” Marcus Freeman said in a statement following the commitment. “He’s a fierce competitor, a team-first guy, and he understands the value of the education and the brotherhood we offer here. We’re thrilled to have him as part of this class.”

Premer becomes the 14th commitment in Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation. His pledge boosts the Irish’s class ranking and solidifies another key piece to what Freeman and his staff hope will be a foundation for future College Football Playoff runs.

Notre Dame’s 2025 class is headlined by blue-chip quarterback Deuce Knight, whose dual-threat abilities have Irish fans excited about the future of the offense. Adding a dynamic tight end like Premer to the mix gives Knight — and whoever else lines up under center — an elite, reliable target capable of making plays in crucial moments.

The Irish offense under Freeman and Denbrock is designed to feature tight ends prominently, both as pass-catchers and as key contributors to the running game. With Premer’s versatility, he could line up in a variety of roles — split wide, in the slot, attached to the line — making him a chess piece for opposing defensive coordinators to account for.

For Premer, the opportunity to carry on Notre Dame’s tight end legacy was too good to pass up.

“When you look at the guys who have come through Notre Dame and gone on to the NFL, it speaks for itself,” Premer added. “But it’s not just about football. It’s about growing as a person, getting a great education, and being part of something bigger. That’s what I want.”

Premer’s commitment also signals a broader trend of top-tier talent buying into Freeman’s vision for the program. Since taking over as head coach, Freeman has emphasized relationships, player development, and building a championship-caliber culture — efforts that are clearly resonating on the recruiting trail.

“I think Coach Freeman is building something special at Notre Dame,” Premer said. “He’s real with his players, and he’s got that energy and that belief that we can compete with anybody.”

Notre Dame’s fans, who have long embraced their reputation as “Tight End U,” have every reason to be excited about Premer’s arrival. His skill set, combined with the Irish’s offensive philosophy, should allow him to make an impact early in his career — much like former stars at the position.

Though his senior season of high school football still lies ahead, Premer remains focused on continual improvement. He’s dedicated to refining his blocking, polishing his route running, and preparing for the physicality of the college game.

“I know the work isn’t done just because I committed,” Premer stated. “I’ve got big goals for myself, and I’m going to keep pushing to be ready when I get to South Bend.”

With Premer now committed, Notre Dame’s recruiting momentum continues to build as they look to finish strong in the 2025 cycle. His presence not only boosts the class ranking but sends a message to other top recruits that Notre Dame remains a destination for elite talent, particularly at the tight end position.

For the Irish faithful, landing Ian Premer represents more than just another highly rated recruit. It’s a reminder that the program’s rich tradition, elite development pipeline, and commitment to excellence — on and off the field — are alive and well under Marcus Freeman’s leadership.

As the next chapter of “Tight End U” begins, Ian Premer’s name is now firmly etched into Notre Dame’s promising future.