Notre Dame is “a program to watch” as Marcus Freeman and the Irish try to put finishing touches on an elite 2026 recruiting class

Notre Dame football has one 2026 recruiting target to know.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during Notre Dame Spring Practice on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Irish Athletics Center in South Bend, Indiana.

Heading into the 2025 college football season, most didn’t expect a lot more news for the Notre Dame 2026 recruiting class. After a huge stretch in the spring and summer, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff had seemingly solidified an elite group. It was all about solidifying the class, and keeping it all together.

Following the Penn State Nittany Lions letting go head coach James Franklin a few weeks ago, several talented 2026 and 2027 recruits became key targets to know for the Irish. In the 2026 group, the attention all centers around McDonald (Pa.) Fort Cherry safety Matt Sieg. The four-star athlete had an offer from Notre Dame previously but has seemingly been committed to the Nittany Lions for forever.

While he still is technically committed, Sieg is keeping his eyes open and exploring options. He will be heading to South Bend this weekend for their game against Navy. Steve Wiltfong, Rivals vice president of recruiting, detailed the upcoming recruiting weekend for the Irish, and where things stand with Sieg.

“The Irish are definitely a program to watch as they work to add to a haul Rivals ranks No. 4 nationally,” Wiltfong wrote.

As things stand, Notre Dame is not the perceived favorite to flip Sieg. Both Pittsburgh and Indiana are also heavily involved. They will need to impress the Pennsylvania native during the visit this weekend. If they do, it would be an outstanding addition.

Matt Sieg’s recruiting background

Sieg is considered to be a four-star player by both 247 Sports and ESPN currently, while On3 has him rated as a three-star player for whatever reason. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Sieg sits as the No. 174 overall player, the No. 16 safety, and the No. 5 player in the state of Pennsylvania for the 2026 recruiting class. Pennsylvania is a state that the Irish staff has been tapping into a lot in the class so far, and hope to one more time. 

Outside of the Nittany Lions and Fighting Irish, Sieg has been pursued by a long list of impressive programs. Some of his other top offers include Alabama, USC, Nebraska, Missouri, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Minnesota, Rutgers, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Stanford, Syracuse, and Purdue, among others. 

As a senior, Sieg is putting together a tremendous season on both sides of the football. On top of his work on the defensive side of the football, the 5-11, 190-pound athlete has also been dynamic for his offense. Sieg has been an outstanding running back and quarterback throughout his career, having rushed for 5,295 yards and 90 touchdowns coming into the year. 

Sieg has also thrown for 3,176 yards and 39 touchdowns as a passer as well in his career. Fort Cherry has also utilized him as a return man and a stellar defensive player. His versatility should allow him to become a defensive weapon on the next level.

With Joey O’Brien, Khary Adams, Ayden Pouncey, Chaston Smith, and Nick Reddish all secondary commits in the 2026 class, it is already an elite group. If they somehow end up with Sieg in the class, it has a chance to be their best group, maybe ever.

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