“They are number one right now": Elite 2026 class safety ranks Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame in his recruitment

Three-star safety Nick Reddish is a major target for Notre Dame's 2026 class and was hosted by the program on Friday. From Marcus Freeman to defensive coordinator Al Golden, general manager Mike Martin, defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, director of recruiting Carter Auman and defensive backs assistant Jevaughn Codlin, the Irish coaching staff made sure to give him VIP treatment.

“I had a really great trip," Reddish told On3 following the trip. "They had a private dinner set up for me, so I knew it was going to be a special visit.”

The standout from Independence High School (North Carolina) is the No. 26 recruit in the state and the No. 57 safety in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He has already narrowed down his top five schools, which include Freeman's program, alongside Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech and North Carolina. However, ND currently leads the pack.

“They are number one right now,” Reddish told the Irish Sports Daily. “I don't have any questions. I don't have anything. My thing with Notre Dame is just want to go down and have fun with the coaches and the staff again.”

The Irish have been more active in North Carolina recently and already hold a 2026 commitment from edge rusher Ebenezer Ewetade. With an 89.0% prediction to land him from On3, Reddish could be the next Tar Heel state prospect to join the Irish.

Nick Reddish schedules official visit to Notre Dame

Nich Reddish is set to announce his commitment on July 11. Ahead of his final decision, the Irish will get an official visit on June 13.

"I feel like Notre Dame went to the national championship because it doesn't start on the field,” Reddish told the Irish Sports Daily. “I feel like it starts off the field. I feel like it starts with putting the work in with competing with your classmates before you're even competing with your actual teammates on the football field. I feel like down there it's just a platform to get you better every day no matter what.”

Reddish is also set to visit Indiana on May 2, Wisconsin on May 30, Virginia Tech on June 6 and North Carolina on June 20.

If Reddish commits to ND, he will become their first safety commit in the 2026 class, which ranks No. 8 in the nation with eight committed players.