Notre Dame took the field this past Saturday against NIU after coming off of a big road win against Texas A&M, and Irish fans were anticipating big production from both sides of the ball. As we know, that didn’t happen. They suffered one of the worst losses in program history, and this has led to many questions about the team and where they go from here. That’s an internal problem that the coaches are going to have to figure out, but what about the external vision, and how this impacts recruiting? I reached out to a dozen recruits who were on campus this past weekend to find out how their visits went, and what impact (if any) the loss had on them. Their answers may surprise you.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
C/O 2027 4-Star Top 15 WR Monshun Sales
“It was great, I loved the fans, and the coaches, and the environment - I loved the whole trip even though they lost. I really didn’t care too much about the loss because I know everybody has off games, but I loved everything about Notre Dame, and it’s somewhere I could see myself playing at in the future.”
C/O 2026 3-Star RB Jayden Terry
“It was what I expected from a high level program like ND. Great atmosphere and great fans. One thing that stuck out to me was the way the team warmed up and the type of stretches they were conducting. It was different from most teams I’ve seen. Everyone was very polite and easy to talk to. Also the energy from the student section was top notch. I’m just starting to build relationships with the staff. I hope that as the season continues, that will continue to grow. I would like to visit again and see all the facilities and have more communication with the coaches.”
C/O 2026 3-Star IOL Benjamin Eziuka
“The visit was great despite the loss. I saw them play last year, so I know that wasn’t a good representation of the kind of team they are, and it happens to everyone. But other than that, everything went great. Atmosphere was electric, and (I) got to have a great conversation with coach Rudolph and I’ll come back later this year if I can make the trip again.”
C/O 2026 S Deacon King
“I think the visit went really good. Yeah I wanted them to win, but the atmosphere was still crazy! And it was cool to see Manti Te'o too. He was right in front of us.”
C/O 2027 LB Jackson Reynolds
“The visit went great! This was my second trip this year. I was excited to show my mom the campus this time because she's never been. I am always impressed with the campus. The historical landmarks and the culture within the university is awesome. Getting the game day experience was special. I was impressed with it all, but the players walk to the stadium and the stadium pre-game was impactful to me. I got to see Ryan Clark before the players walk, and the passion the fans have is amazing. The highlight of the visit was the conversations I had with Coach Bullough and Coach Washington. They both are impressed with my build and frame for only being a 2027 recruit. Coach Bullough said he'd be keeping tabs on me since I am a linebacker, and Coach Washington recruits my area of Central Ohio. I wear a gold helmet for my high school and I definitely can see myself staying in one. It was a tough loss for Notre Dame, but I believe in what Coach Freeman and the staff are building. The Gold Standard is special.”
C/O 2026 OT Pete Eglitis
“It went really well. Everything there was run really well and had a great atmosphere. Notre Dame is my dream school. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid, so it was a very special visit.”
C/O 2026 MLB Ryland Watters
“I had a great time. When I first got there it was an awesome setup inside the indoor facility. I’ve been up to campus already a couple times with my older brother who’s there playing baseball as a freshman. Sucks that they lost, but the trip was amazing.”
C/O 2026 ATH Kareem Pruitt
“The visit was great, it was my first time on campus, they treated us very well on the visit and it was nice to see them play with a sold out stadium and see how many people come out to the game to watch them play.”
C/O 2026 WR Jorian Brooks
“My trip was amazing! They treated me so well and everybody on the staff was amazing. Notre Dame does an amazing job making sure that you’re not just set up for your football career, but that you are set up for life. They focus beyond football and that’s super important to me. Every-time I’m in South Bend they emphasize that and I love that.”
C/O 2026 IOL Dalton DeBoer
“The trip was amazing! To be able to experience the rich tradition was really an honor. I am beyond impressed with each interaction I have had with the coaches, recruiting staff and all associated with Notre Dame. I am sure there are many more wins to come this season!”
Even though Notre Dame didn’t come up with the win, the recruits who visited were very impressed with the staff, atmosphere, facilities, and game day experience. Coach Freeman and staff continue to make recruiting and the relationships a major priority.
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