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Notre Dame has secured a significant commitment from Ben Nichols, a four-star offensive lineman from Davison High School in Michigan, for its 2026 recruiting class.tanding at 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, Nichols is ranked as the No. 16 interior offensive lineman nationally and the No. 3 player in Michigan for the 2026 cycle.citeturn0search0
ichols chose the Fighting Irish over several prominent programs, including Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Penn State.e also held offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State, and Iowa, among others.citeturn0search2
is relationship with Notre Dame began in June 2023, when he participated in the program’s “Lineman’s Challenge.”ollowing a strong performance, the Irish coaching staff identified him as a potential offer candidate.lthough Notre Dame typically extends scholarship offers to sophomores on St. Patrick’s Day during their “Pot of Gold Day” recruiting event, Nichols received his offer in March 2024.citeturn0search0
eflecting on his decision, Nichols emphasized the combination of academics, tradition, and proximity to home as key factors.e stated, “When it comes down to academics, and the distance was a big part, and the tradition of a school, there’s really no place that does it better than Notre Dame.”citeturn0search0
otre Dame’s offensive line coach, Joe Rudolph, played a pivotal role in Nichols’ recruitment.ichols praised Rudolph’s track record, noting, “If you look at what he’s done, he’s put so many amazing dudes in the league. He can develop anybody.”citeturn0search4
ead coach Marcus Freeman also made a positive impression on Nichols, who remarked, “He’s had success since he stepped in the game. He’s only proving people wrong as the season goes on. So, I’m very happy to have him as my head coach.”citeturn0search4
ichols’ commitment marks the sixth for Notre Dame in the 2026 cycle, bolstering a class that now ranks No. 11 nationally.is addition is expected to strengthen the Fighting Irish’s offensive line in the coming years.citeturn0search0
