Notre Dame football and head coach Marcus Freeman have a chance to address a significant tight end need in the 2028 recruiting class, and the Fighting Irish already have their eyes on two priority targets in their own backyard.

After a 2027 class that fell short at the position despite elite-level recruiting across the board, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and the Notre Dame staff have turned their attention to a pair of Illinois prospects who could form one of the better tight end duos the program has signed in years. Both have become a massive priority.

Where the 2027 tight end class fell short

The Fighting Irish currently hold a commitment from Choctaw (Okla.) High School standout Titus Hawk in the 2027 class. The 6-foot-7, 215-pound athlete has upside to develop into a productive inline tight end at the college level, but Notre Dame originally wanted to land two tight ends in the cycle.

The staff had several big misses, including Jaxon Dollar, Seneca Driver, and Malik Howard, three elite tight ends who went elsewhere. While Notre Dame will continue evaluating options on the board, there’s a chance the Irish end up with only Hawk in the class.

That reality makes the 2028 tight end haul critical for the program’s long-term offensive identity.

Grant Bowen brings elite versatility

Elmhurst (Ill.) Immaculate Conception athlete Grant Bowen has already emerged as a top priority for the Fighting Irish. The 6-4, 220-pound prospect is one of the more dynamic and versatile players in the 2028 class, with the ability to play tight end, linebacker, and defensive end at the next level. Notre Dame sees him fitting in at tight end.

Ranked inside the top 60 overall players in the 2028 class according to the 247Sports composite ranking, Bowen is coming off a sophomore season in which he recorded over 700 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. He attends the same high school as Notre Dame 2025 defensive end signee Dominik Hulak, which only strengthens the existing pipeline.

Notre Dame is in a good early spot with Bowen, but there is elite competition on the board. His father, Matt Bowen, was a star defensive back at Iowa in the late 1990s, which makes this a tough pull for the Irish. Freeman and his staff have a chance to get it done, but it will take sustained effort and relationship-building.

Jack McNamara profiles as a true inline option

On top of Bowen, Notre Dame is also high on Chicago (Ill.) Brother Rice tight end Jack McNamara. While Bowen profiles more as a flex option at the position, McNamara is a true inline Y at 6-5 and 235 pounds.

In a lot of ways, his game is reminiscent of former Notre Dame standout Mitchell Evans, bringing a big frame and underrated ability after the catch while playing as more of a linear player than a great change-of-direction athlete. Notre Dame loves the upside McNamara brings in terms of playing inline and detached at times depending on what the offense is trying to accomplish.

Why this duo matters

If Notre Dame is able to land both Bowen and McNamara in the 2028 class, it would give the program one of its better tight end duos in recent signing classes. The two prospects complement each other well, with Bowen offering versatility as a flex piece and McNamara providing the physical inline presence that Denbrock’s offense values. Both have become early priorities for the Fighting Irish, and from everything I have gathered, that level of prioritization is not changing anytime soon.