On Wednesday, Notre Dame football, along with the rest of college football, solidified each of their 2026 recruiting classes. For head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish, it was a historical accomplishment. Considered a top-five class by each of the major recruiting platforms, many have said that this is the best class for the Irish since the Lou Holtz Era, which is quite the accomplishment.

Both sides of the football are tremendous, which again speaks to the balance of this overall group. On offense, Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock put together a very impressive group. To give a deeper look at this class, let’s have fun with some superlatives for the offense. That includes the player with the highest upside, the biggest wildcard, the player most likely to continue in year one, and a boom or bust prospect to know.

Notre Dame offensive class superlatives

Highest upside: OT Grayson McKeough – Wyndmoor (Pa.) La Salle College

While there are a couple of strong options for this category, I had to go with McKeough, who looks like a future first rounder from a physical perspective. The Pennsylvania native gained some substantial weight going into his senior season and now hovers around 6-8 and 200 pounds. The movement skills that he possesses are outstanding. If McKeough takes to coaching well, he could end up seeing the field a lot sooner than people realize, but it is his long-term outlook that really gets you excited. The raw physical tools are impressive.

Biggest wildcard: WR Dylan Faison – Boca Raton (Fla.) Saint Andrew’s

If Faison didn’t have his Notre Dame ties and wasn’t the top lacrosse player in the country, there is a good chance his recruiting process would have played out longer, and both his offer list and recruiting rankings would have ballooned. At 6-1 and 180 pounds, he is a much different athlete than his older brother Jordan. Faison has a great stride length and is really talented with the football in his hands. He will enter college as the lowest-rated wide receiver of the bunch, but don’t be surprised if he surprises down the road.

Most likely to contribute in year one: TE Ian Premer – Great Bend (Kan.) High School

Honestly, you could have put Premer in the highest upside category as well. At 6-5 and 230 pounds, Great Bend has used Premer in so many different ways, including running the football, as a receiver, wildcat quarterback, and on defense. This is a legitimate five-star athlete who feels like someone who is going to play a lot in 2026. There is a chance that Premer is starting before too long. His talent is just too good not to get on the field.

Boom or bust: OT Charlie Thom – Avon (Conn.) Old Farms

Thom is arguably the most fascinating player in the entire 2o26 recruiting class for Notre Dame. He was previously a tight end, but just moved to offensive tackle with Avon Old Farms this past season. At 6-6 and 270 pounds, Thom is a long athlete who certainly has a lot of physical traits to get excited about. There is a chance he eventually develops into a starter for the Fighting Irish, or he is a player who just never quite grows into his body. The gamble is worth taking on this type of athlete.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish News

Notre Dame vs. Miami playoff debate has become a tired one, continues to rage on despite probably already having been decided 

The Notre Dame vs. Miami playoff debate is a farce.

Ryan Roberts