Notre Dame football received an underrated 2026 commitment on Friday from Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier linebacker Jakobe Clapper. He became the 13th total commitment in the class for the Fighting Irish, and continued the program’s current momentum on the recruiting trail. That momentum doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. 

So let’s have some fun, and predict the next five commitments for Notre Dame in the 2026 class. Here are a few that the Irish are in a great spot was. The Irish staff has a chance to close strong. 

RB Javian Osborne – Forney (Texas) High School

Osborne is set to make his commitment on Saturday, and will be choosing between Notre Dame and Michigan. The 5-10, 195-pound runner is a dynamic running back who has some of the best jumps cuts you will find. The Irish are viewed as the top choice entering the decision. He is a top-100 player that would be a massive early win for Ja’Juan Seider. 

DT Tiki Hola – Bastrop (Texas) High School 

The 6-2, 285-pound defensive tackle is set to make his college decision on May 10th. Hola will be deciding between Notre Dame, SMU, and USC. While the Mustangs have done a great job, it’s hard not to feel comfortable about the chances for the Fighting Irish. He is the high floor run defender that Notre Dame needs more of. 

TE Evan Jacobson – Waukee (Iowa) High School

At 6-7 and 220 pounds, there are a lot of similarities between Jacobson and former Irish standout Kyle Rudolph. Notre Dame has been trending in a great direction. There hasn’t been a commitment date solidified, but if one gets cemented sometime soon, the Notre Dame chances are very strong. 

S Nick Reddish – Charlotte (N.C.) Independence

If not for the junior season injury, it’s likely that Notre Dame would have pushed a lot harder earlier for Reddish. He is still a player the program likes a lot, and he’s healthy again. The Irish feel like the team to beat. Reddish is a perfect fit. 

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

At 6-4 and 190 pounds, O’Brien has the skill set to play safety, cornerback, or wide receiver on the next level. Notre Dame likes him a ton as a cornerback, valuing his length, movement skills, and ball production. The Fighting Irish are viewed as the leader for O’Brien but need to close out against Penn State. It’ll be a fight, but Mike Mickens and company are ready. 

Notre Dame football receives a commitment from a painfully underrated defender whose offer list tells the real story

The Notre Dame recruiting momentum continues