Top 3 landing spots for 4-star LB Thomas Davis Jr. to the class of 2026 ft. NC State

Four-star linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. is one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The son of Thomas Davis, a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, Davis has already amassed an impressive list of offers from top programs. Among those chasing Davis are South Carolina, Miami, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Boston College, Georgia Tech and Penn State.

Davis finished his sophomore season in 2023 with 92 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception, a marked improvement on his freshman campaign. In that season, he recorded 31 tackles, two tackles for losses, one sack, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Davis also plays basketball and competes in track and field, which makes him an even more interesting prospect. Let's examine the three programs with the best chances of earning his pledge.

Top 3 programs vying for Thomas Davis Jr.'s commitment

#3. South Carolina

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, South Carolina has an 8% chance of landing Thomas Davis Jr.'s commitment. Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Clayton White, along with defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas, extended the offer to Davis in January.

“I am very blessed to be offered by them and I love the program,” Davis told The State. “I look forward to checking out the campus and building a relationship with the coaches”

South Carolina's 2026 has Rodney Colton and Anthony Baxter committed to the class.

#2. Notre Dame

Notre Dame boasts a 17.8% chance of earning Davis' pledge per On3. His interest in the Fighting Irish was piqued after a visit in April, followed by another trip to South Bend for the annual "Grill And Chill" event last week.

“We’re just continuing to build a relationship and get a better feel for the school to see how I feel about it," Davis told Blue & Gold on Thursday night. "They have a multiple-front look. They have two-to-three linebackers on the field at a time, so I’m sure I’d rotate through those spots.”

Davis has maintained close contact with Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden, linebacker coach Max Bullough and assistant to the general manager Carter Auman.

“I feel pretty good. I would say they are pretty high up there."

Notre Dame has Noah Grubbs and Dylan Faison committed to the 2026 class.

#1. NC State

Leading the race for Thomas Davis Jr.'s commitment is NC State, with a 20.3% chance, according to On3. The Wolfpack extended their offer last June and Davis has since expressed his interest in the program.

During NC State's Junior Day, Davis connected with key coaching figures, including head coach Dave Doeren, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and linebackers coach Joe DeForest.

"I loved sitting in the film room going through the defense with Coach Gibson, and I love the way he coaches the defense and the schemes he uses. Overall, I definitely loved the experience at NC State and I had a great time."

The Wolfpack has no players committed to the 2026 class and are hoping Thomas Davis Jr. is among their first.