Marcus Freeman is turning Notre Dame into the epicenter for NFL legacy kids. His 2026 class features a slew of second-generation players. Devin Fitzgerald (son of Larry Fitzgerald), Kaydon Finley (son of Jermichael Finley), and Thomas Davis Jr. (son of Thomas Davis Sr.). All of these players are bringing a unique blend of their talent right to South Bend. This trend isn’t accidental. Freeman’s NFL background and his deep connections to coaching circles give him an undeniable edge. It’s why sons of NFL stars see Notre Dame under Freeman as a launchpad, blending tradition with top-tier development.

On top of that, Marcus Freeman isn’t hitting the brakes anytime soon. Fresh on the porch is Richie Flanigan of the 2027 class, son of former NFL standout Jim Flanigan, pledging his talents to Notre Dame. The Flanigan connection runs deeper, with Richie’s brother, James Flanigan, already locked in on the Fighting Irish roster. This commitment beautifully creates a path for the younger Flanigans to carve their football journey under the Irish, just like their father. Also, Freeman is really close to hitting the ninth spot, consisting of NFL breeds, just as Santana Harvey, son of former Jaguars DE Derrick Harvey, decides on his commitment.

Let’s start with the father first. Back in the early ’90s, Jim held it down on the defensive line for Notre Dame before the Chicago Bears snagged him in the third round of the ’94 NFL Draft. He had a solid ten-year career with 342 tackles, 46 sacks, seven fumble recoveries, an interception, and even three touchdown catches. In 2000, he earned the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Then the next Flanigan, who already made a place in the Irish roster, is James of the 2025 class. The tight end is one of Wisconsin’s biggest recruits. He ranked No. 127 overall, the No. 6 tight end in the country.

He chose the Irish over heavy hitters like Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, and a long list of other big-name programs. It almost feels like a pattern at this point. Man of the hour, Richie is ranked as the No. 3 player in Wisconsin’s 2027 class and No. 311 nationally. So naturally, he had a lot of schools vying for him. Like Wisconsin, Duke, Illinois, Northwestern, and Michigan. But Notre Dame stood out efficiently. “I don’t want to wait any longer,” he said to On3. “I for sure know I want to go to Notre Dame.” His multiple visits to South Bend and a memorable unofficial visit for the Texas A&M game sealed the deal.

After some serious thought and conversations with the coaching staff, Richie knew Notre Dame was the place for him. He loves the coaching vibe and the program’s track record of sending guys to the NFL, with recent Irish standouts like Howard Cross and Rylie Mills showing the way. And you know what? His commitment puts the Irish class at #8 according to the 247 Team Composite ranking.

Marcus Freeman isn’t leaving any recruiting voids

Marcus Freeman is really trying it all for Notre Dame recruiting. Latest update? He is making a bold push to flip Tyler Fryman, a rare two-sport athlete, from his commitment to Louisville. Fryman excels as a wide receiver on the football field and shines as a shortstop and outfielder on the baseball diamond. Let me tell you, balancing two sports at the college level is no easy task. But let’s face it, the Irish have a rich history of embracing and developing multisport athletes.

Fryman’s unique blend of athleticism and versatility makes him a highly sought-after recruit. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 180 pounds, he’s a solid wideout prospect with the correct amount of speed and skill. Plus, his baseball skills are just as impressive, as he’s been committed to Louisville since eighth grade. Notre Dame is capitalizing on its reputation for fostering two-sport careers like Brandon Logan’s.

“He’s one of my friends,” Fryman said. “I’ve been talking to him about it, and he said that’s the best place to go for two sports.” Logan’s story sets a precedent to attract a freak like Tyler. Plus, Freeman and his staff are playing their wooing with the program part very diligently during one of Tyler’s trips. “Honestly, that was my first time ever experiencing college football,” he said. “I got to say what’s up to Coach Freeman, that was sick. Just as people, they’re down-to-earth, amazing people. They’re just normal dudes to talk to.”

Talk about head coaching charm, and see Marcus Freeman stand tall like a mountain.