Notre Dame football could have a unique dilemma and key decision to make in the 2026 recruiting class for the future of the offense

When you think of Notre Dame football, many think about the offensive line. The Irish staff has continued to pump out tremendous offensive linemen over the years, including names such as Zack Martin, Quenton Nelson, Joe Alt, and Mike McGlinchey among many others. Both recruiting and development have been extremely impressive. In the 2026 recruiting […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph speaks with Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey (8) before a NCAA college football game against Florida State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in South Bend.
MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

When you think of Notre Dame football, many think about the offensive line. The Irish staff has continued to pump out tremendous offensive linemen over the years, including names such as Zack Martin, Quenton Nelson, Joe Alt, and Mike McGlinchey among many others. Both recruiting and development have been extremely impressive.

In the 2026 recruiting class, Joe Rudolph and Notre Dame have gotten off to a very fast start with three early commitments. That could lead to a very interesting decision to be made down the road. The want is for one more offensive lineman to be in the class, and offensive tackle should be a priority.

IRISH COMMITS

OL Tyler Merrill – Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Cumberland Valley

OL Ben Nichols – Davison (Mich.) High School

OL Sullivan Garvin – Allegan (Mich.) High School

Merrill is an outstanding player, and a potential top-50 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class when all is said and done. Nichols is also a very talented player who could bring a ton of upside inside. Garvin is a developmental player who has some potential to tap into potentially at center.

The biggest issue with that three-man group is that all of them project more favorably inside. Merrill or Nichols might be able to stick outside but ideally inside seems like a much better fit. That leaves a need to add a true offensive tackle.

WHAT’S NEXT

Notre Dame is in a pretty good position with a few talented offensive linemen outside of the commits, including Gregory Patrick from Michigan and Ekene Ogboko from North Carolina. I would like their chances with Patrick, but I tend to believe the staff will push for more of a true offensive tackle.

Ogboko could be that guy, but you are battling a long list of talented programs. That includes Georgia, the school where his brother signed in the 2024 recruiting class. The Irish are in the fight, but it will be a very tough pull.

It's possible that Notre Dame could decide to pursue Patrick and figure it out later. If they do decide to target a true offensive tackle body type instead, keep a close eye on Bauxite (Ark.) High School standout Evan Goodwin. At 6-7 and 325 pounds, he will have no problems sticking inside. I like the program’s chances. 

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