The Notre Dame 2026 recruiting class is slowly, but surely filling out. There’s a strong chance that this group could end up being the best under head coach Marcus Freeman in the class, but there is a long road to making that happen. The Irish currently hold seven commits in the class, and more could be coming soon.

There are already several can’t miss prospects on the board for Notre Dame, and the staff needs to do their best not to lose momentum. Here are some of those important players to know, and the current state of their respective recruitments.

WR Connor Salmin – Potomac (Md.) The Bullis School

Notre Dame needs one major improvement at wide receiver, big time speed. That’s what Salmin brings to the table, having posted a personal best time of 10.44 in the 100-meter dash as a sophomore. The Irish have been trending in a great direction, and are in a battle with Penn State and Clemson for Salmin.

WR Kaydon Finley – Aledo (Texas) High School

On paper, this one might feel like a Texas Longhorn slam dunk considering he’s the son of Jermichael Finley, but the Irish are firmly in this battle. Finley is one of the more productive pass catchers in the class, and brings a lot of the same qualities that made Jaden Greathouse so appealing in the 2023 class:

EDGE McHale Blade – Chicago (Ill.) Simeon

A teammate of 2025 Notre Dame signee Christopher Burgess, Blade has been someone high on the Notre Dame board for some time now. Quite simply, if the staff wants a player from Chicago, they need to be able to close on them. Blade is long, physical, and extremely versatile.

DL Elijah Golden – Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney or Simote Katoanga – San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) JSerra Catholic

Ideally, Notre Dame would love to land both Golden and Katoanga. If they are able to land at least one, however, it is a massive victory. Both players possess long frames but have the developmental upside to eventually fit inside at three technique. The Irish have been in a good spot with both, and need to close things out.

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

Even before O’Brien gained major traction as a recruit, Notre Dame valued him heavily. That should go a long way when the 6-4, 190-pound cover man makes his decision. If you love length, foot quickness, and football IQ, then you are going to love O’Brien. 

Ja’Juan Seider will be able to showcase his recruiting impact to Notre Dame fans very quickly against a familiar foe

Could someone be coming with Ja’Juan Seider?