Notre Dame football set to host a long list of outstanding 2026 recruiting targets for a make of break OV weekend

The next two weekends are going to be huge for Notre Dame football and the 2026 recruiting class. Over the next few days, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff will be hosting a strong list of priority targets. This weekend will go a long way to determining just how good this 2026 […]

Ryan Roberts National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame 2026 CB target Joey O'Brien
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The next two weekends are going to be huge for Notre Dame football and the 2026 recruiting class. Over the next few days, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff will be hosting a strong list of priority targets. This weekend will go a long way to determining just how good this 2026 group ends up being. 

Here are the top targets expected to be on campus, and where things currently stand. That also includes a long list of commits there to help recruit. This is everything that you need to know heading into the visit. 

WR Kaydon Finley – Aledo (Texas) High School

Outside of Joey O’Brien, there might not be a more important remaining target on the board for Notre Dame.  Finley is the combination of floor and ceiling that the Irish need more of in the wide receiver room. They are battling Texas who holds the legacy angle, as well as Texas A&M. The Irish have a shot here, but need this weekend to go well ahead of his July 4th commitment plans. 

WR Brayden Robinson – Red Oak (Texas) High School 

While Robinson is a small receiver at 5-8 and 165 pounds, he is a dynamic player in space. He is an outstanding athlete that has a propensity to make big plays. This is a Notre Dame-Miami battle, but I do think the latter leads currently. There are some questions about how strongly Notre Dame should push, but they absolutely should. 

WR Devin Fitzgerald – Phoenix (Ariz.) Prophy Prep 

The son of former Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, there is the natural appeal to Notre Dame with their allure from NFL sons. Fitzgerald feels like a player that is a bit down the board, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he gets moved up depending on how things go with a couple of other wide receivers. This is one to watch closely. 

OT Grayson McKeogh – Glenside (Pa.) La Salle College 

At 6-7 and 270 pounds, there are a lot of parallels between McKeogh and former Notre Dame standout Mike McGlinchey. Having played tight end previously, he is still developing into his frame. His combination of foot quickness, flexibility, and upside is immense. Notre Dame is battling Penn State for his services. 

CB Khary Adams – Towson (Md.) Loyola Blakefield 

As things currently stand, Adams would be the biggest commitment for Mike Mickens if they are able to close the deal. Considered a top-50 recruit by several major platforms, Adams has some of the highest upside in the entire class. The 6-2, 175-pound cover man is an outstanding talent, and I like the chances for the Irish. 

S Nick Reddish – Charlotte (N.C.) Independence 

A target for Notre Dame for some time, Reddish unfortunately missed the majority of his junior season with an injury. Now back and fully healthy, he is a player that the Irish value tremendously. They enter this visit as the leader, and have a chance to solidify things this weekend. 

ATH Joey O’Brien – Glenside (Pa.) La Salle College 

There is no bigger target on the board than O’Brien. The 6-4, 190-pound athlete has the upside to excel at safety, cornerback, or even wide receiver on the college level. Notre Dame is in a fight with Oregon, Penn State, and Clemson for the Pennsylvania star. Depending who you talk to, there is some confidence out there for each school. The Irish having the final official visit should be huge. 


Notre Dame commits 

One thing that isn’t talked enough about is how important it is to have a solid group of commits on campus for these huge recruiting weekends. With such high importance of this official visit, Notre Dame has assembled a really impressive group. Here are the commits scheduled to be in South Bend this weekend. 

QB Noah Grubbs – Lake Mary (Fla.) High School 

RB Jonaz Walton – Carrollton (Ga.) Central 

RB Javian Osborne – Forney (Texas) High School 

OL Gregory Patrick – Portage (Mich.) Northern 

OL Tyler Merrill – Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Cumberland Valley 

OL Ben Nichols – Davison (Mich.) High School

OL Sullivan Garvin – Allegan (Mich.) High School

EDGE Rodney Dunham – Charlotte (N.C.) Myers Park 

DT Tiki Hola – Bastrop (Texas) High School 

LB Thomas Davis Jr. – Weddington (N.C.) High School