Notre Dame set to host dominant Lone Star DT for a return visit, and hoping to separate themselves amongst an elite group of suitors

There is no secret that Notre Dame football needs to be more consistent recruiting the defensive tackle position moving forward. The key is to find size on the interior, and impactful size to take the defensive line to the next level. A lot of Irish fans will be keeping close eyes on the 2026 recruiting […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Bastrop Bears defensive lineman Tiki Hola (55) rushes toward Cedar Creek Eagles quarterback Blaze Orr (11 in the first quarter )at the District 13-5A football game on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Bastrop Memorial Stadium - Bastrop, Texas.
John Gutierrez / USA TODAY NETWORK

There is no secret that Notre Dame football needs to be more consistent recruiting the defensive tackle position moving forward. The key is to find size on the interior, and impactful size to take the defensive line to the next level. A lot of Irish fans will be keeping close eyes on the 2026 recruiting class.

One player that appears to be high on Notre Dame early on is Bastrop (Texas) High School defensive tackle Tiki Hola, who recently listed the Irish as one of his top schools along with Texas, Oregon, USC, and SMU. Notre Dame will be getting another visit from Hola this weekend for Junior Day, which is a tremendous opportunity to continue trending with the Lone Star state standout.

The 6-2, 285-pound defensive tackle is a dominant member for the Bastrop (Texas) High School program. As a junior, Hola led his team with 102 total tackles, while also recording 10 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Hola also recorded nine quarterback hurries, and another two fumble recoveries.

Getting a player like Hola out of the state of Texas isn’t going to be easy, and the Longhorns will do their absolute best to prevent it. The junior is currently ranked as a four-star player, as well as the No. 229 overall player and No. 30 defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class on the 247Sports Composite ranking. Hola is also ranked as the No. 33 player in the state of Texas, a territory that is known for putting out a high volume of next level talent.

Notre Dame already holds commitments from linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. and cornerback Chaston Smith, so the defensive class is off to a fast start. Adding someone like Hola is exactly what this Irish squad needs. They need more beef upfront, and that’s exactly what he is. 

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