Jenica Lewis had been one of the best shooting options in her class. She’s got size, lateral mobility, and a smooth jumper that opens up beautifully off her teammates’ passes. That’s why the Iowa Hawkeyes made sure to offer her early, back in February, hoping to keep the in-state star home. But did she choose Iowa? No.

Lewis visited Iowa City on October 25, taking in the Hawkeye football team’s win over Minnesota. Soon after, the 5-foot-10 guard made her college decision official. And surprisingly, it wasn’t Iowa; it was Notre Dame she committed to. “From every moment, every game, every dream-it all fits. Committed to Notre Dame,” Lewis wrote on X.

Well, that’s a hard hit to Iowa. The Johnston, Iowa, native had been one of Jan Jensen’s most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class. She’s even ranked as the nation’s No. 22 overall recruit, No. 4 shooting guard, and the No. 1 prospect in Iowa, per 247Sports’ composite rankings. Also, Rivals lists her as the No. 17 player nationally and No. 5 combo guard, while ESPN ranks her No. 24 overall.

But what makes the loss sting even more is her performance. At Johnston High School, she averaged 18 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game on 47% shooting from the field. She was named the 2024–25 Iowa MaxPreps High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

So yes, had Jensen landed Lewis, she would’ve been a gem in what’s shaping up to be a historic 2026 recruiting class. But while Iowa made it to Lewis’ top three schools out of 48 Division I offers, it wasn’t enough to seal the deal.

But why Notre Dame?

The Irish already hold the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, and Lewis just became the cherry on top. She now joins Jacy Abii, Bella Ragone, and Amari Byles, all ranked among the top 25 nationally by 247Sports. 

So, Lewis gains exposure by playing alongside elite recruits, while the Fighting Irish would add much-needed backcourt depth. As Director of Scouting, Brandon Clay puts it best during an interview with 247Sports: “The hallmark of Lewis’s game is her ability to keep the floor spaced with her outside shooting.” 

He added, “She has legitimate, next-level range to 23 feet. Lewis’s presence will help keep current All-American Hannah Hidalgo from seeing double teams during her senior campaign.” And yes, Lewis’ shooting ability and composure make her one of the best perimeter players in her class. So, her arrival at Notre Dame could help elevate the Irish offense even further. 

But her decision didn’t just come because of the recruiting class. Notre Dame’s staff played a major role, too. “That relationship is really good. They just came to my open gym, and we got to talk. We communicate really well and always stay in touch,” Lewis told 247Sports about her growing bond with the Notre Dame staff.

But while Notre Dame got another fit, eyes are now on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Jensen, after losing Lewis, has shifted focus to five-star small forward Addison Bjorn, who’s taking her final official visit to Kansas this weekend. The question now is-will Bjorn choose Iowa, or will history repeat itself? Stay tuned.