Notre Dame football 2026 signee signing day superlatives

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Notre Dame football had a huge day on Wednesday, as it signed all of the current 2026 commitments, giving the Irish one of the top classes in the country.

There were a total of 27 signees during the early period, as now the majority of players have opted to use this as the official “Signing Day.” Notre Dame should be extremely proud of this effort, as they have made a clear upgrade in recruiting and it has shown during the last few cycles.

There are more than a few great players that the Irish signed, and here are some superlatives for Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class.

Future award winner offense – Tight end Ian Premer

There is a long list of Notre Dame tight ends that have been considered among the best nationally, and Premer comes into the program with a pedigree that not many have. He’s an elite pass-catcher, and has worked his way up to being the top tight end in his class, and a 5-star prospect ranked No. 21 nationally. At 6-foot, 5-inches and 220-pounds, he’s a nightmare for any defense. The Irish’s last winner of the Mackey Award, top tight end, was Tyler Eifert in 2012, and I think Premer has a chance to end that drought.

Also considered: Wide receivers Devin Fitzgerald and Kaydon Finley

Future award winner defense – Safety Joey O’Brien

This pick wasn’t as clear-cut as it was on offense for me, but O’Brien is an all-world player would could even play some offense for the Irish. While I don’t think that’s the case, he could end up returning punts, which has boosted the stock of others in the secondary. Also a 5-star, O’Brien looks like a clone of Kyle Hamilton, and we all know how that went in South Bend. I don’t think it’s out of the question that we’ll see similar results from the two.

Also considered: Defensive end Rodney Dunham, cornerback Khary Adams and safety Ayden Pouncey

Instant impact offense – Tight end Ian Premer

I don’t like picking the same player for multiple picks, but it’s hard to see Premer not getting a chance to play early. Eli Raridon is having a great final chapter to his Notre Dame career, but will move on after this season. Ty Washington has played this fall, but really hasn’t made the impact that any thought he would. He’s probably the starter, and if Premer is battling Jack Larsen for second-team reps, my money is on him winning out. The Irish play multiple tight end sets, so I see him playing early and often.

Others considered: Fitzgerald and running back Javian Osborne

Instant impact defense – Edge Rodney Dunham

There is always a need for more pass rushers, and Dunham is one of the best in the country. He already looks like he could be a rotational player at 6-foot, 4-inches and 227-pounds. Give Dunham a few months on campus, and watch him be around 240-pounds and ready to contribute immediately. There’s a chance to double-dips with the baseball team as well as he’s a pretty good pitcher.

Others considered: O’Brien, Adams, and edge Ebenezer Ewetade

Underrated offense – Offensive tackle Charlie Thom

Outside of the top-350, the 6-foot, 6-inch and 275-pound Thom won’t see the field right away, but I believe that he’s got an incredibly high ceiling. There’s going to be a step up in competition coming from Connecticut, and a year away from the field will most likely do wonders to his game. Thom could be a multi-year starter when his Irish career is over.

Others considered: Quarterback Noah Grubbs and wide receiver Jordan Faison

Underrated defense – Linebacker Thomas Davis Jr.

The son for former NFL linebacker by the same name, saw his father’s alma mater in Georgia making a late push for a flip. That never happened and it was a huge recruiting win for Notre Dame. Ranked as the No. 250 overall prospect, Davis also had offers from Ohio State, LSU, Oregon, Tennessee, USC and others. An offer list like that shouldn’t be ranked so low, but Davis is and will most likely outperform it.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame football 2026 signee signing day superlatives

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