-
Eli Lederman, ESPN Staff Writer
Notre Dame secured its highest-ranked commitment yet in the 2026 class Tuesday night with a pledge from four-star outside linebacker Thomas Davis Jr., son of former Georgia All-American and 16-year NFL veteran Thomas Davis.
The younger Davis, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior at North Carolina’s Weddington High School, is ranked No. 126 in the ESPN Junior 300. His commitment follows a visit to Notre Dame during their resounding 52-3 victory over Florida State three days prior. This comes on the heels of the Irish flipping 2025 running back pledge Nolan James from Boston College, another visitor who spent the weekend in South Bend.
After racking up 123 total tackles across his first two high school seasons, Davis enters his junior year finale as ESPN’s No. 10 outside linebacker in the 2026 cycle. Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan, North Carolina, NC State, and Oregon were also vying for his commitment.
Editor’s Picks
Davis becomes the third and highest-rated member of head coach Marcus Freeman’s 2026 class. Joining him is four-star quarterback Noah Grubbs (no. 140 in the ESPN 300), marking the second top-300 prospect to commit to Notre Dame in 2026. The Irish also hold a pledge from three-star wide receiver Dylan Faison of Boca Raton, Florida.
Davis will follow in his father’s footsteps and step onto the field in major college football when he signs at the end of the 2025 cycle.
The elder Davis played three seasons at Georgia (2002-2004), emerging as a two-time All-SEC linebacker and earning consensus All-American honors in his junior season of 2004. Selected 14th overall in the 2005 NFL draft, he spent the first 14 years of his career with the Carolina Panthers. During this time, he became a three-time Pro Bowl selection and an All-Pro in 2015. He was also named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2014.
Notre Dame’s 2025 class currently boasts nine ESPN 300 pledges and ranks 15th in ESPN’s latest team class rankings for the 2025 cycle. The eighth-ranked Irish host Virginia at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
# Notre Dame Lands Top Recruit: 4-Star Linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. Joins 2026 Class
Notre Dame football has once again secured a top talent for the future, adding four-star linebacker **Thomas Davis Jr.** to their highly anticipated 2026 recruiting class. The younger brother of former NFL standout Thomas Davis Sr., Davis Jr. is considered one of the most promising linebackers in his age group and brings a wealth of potential to South Bend.
## A Legacy Continues at Notre Dame
Davis Jr.’s commitment comes as no surprise, given his family’s deep ties to both football and Notre Dame. His father, Thomas Davis Sr., was a revered figure during his time with the Fighting Irish from 2005-2008, earning All-American honors and leaving a lasting legacy on the program.
Now, Thomas Davis Jr. is ready to forge his own path within the hallowed halls of Notre Dame Stadium. His decision to commit early speaks volumes about his confidence in the coaching staff, the program’s tradition of excellence, and his desire to build upon his family’s remarkable history with the Fighting Irish.
## Breaking Down Thomas Davis Jr.’s Skillset
Davis Jr. is a highly decorated prospect, consistently ranked among the top linebackers in his class. He possesses a unique combination of athleticism, instincts, and physicality that make him a formidable force on the field:
* **Exceptional Speed & Agility:**
His ability to quickly read plays and react with lightning-fast speed allows him to cover ground effectively, making tackles in the open field and disrupting passing lanes.
* **Physical Presence & Tackling Prowess:** Davis Jr. isn’t afraid of contact. He hits hard and consistently delivers bone-jarring tackles that leave opponents reeling. His dedication to mastering his craft is evident in every play.
* **Leadership Qualities:**
Beyond his on-field skills, Davis Jr. has demonstrated strong leadership qualities throughout his high school career. His ability to inspire his teammates and command respect within the huddle will undoubtedly contribute to Notre Dame’s success in the years to come.
## What This Commitment Means for Notre Dame
The addition of Thomas Davis Jr. is a significant win for Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts.
* **Solidifying Defensive Future:** Davis Jr.’s commitment bolsters Notre Dame’s already impressive linebacker corps, ensuring they have a foundation of talent for years to come.
* **Building on Tradition:** His decision to follow in his father’s footsteps further solidifies the program’s rich legacy and attracts top recruits who aspire to be part of something special.
* **National Recognition:** This high-profile recruit will undoubtedly attract national attention, showcasing Notre Dame football’s continued ability to compete at the highest level.
## Breaking Down the 2026 Class
Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most talented in recent memory. Here’s a snapshot:
| Position | Recruit Name | Rating | Notable Accomplishments |
|————–|————————-|——–|—————————-|
| Linebacker | Thomas Davis Jr. | 4-star | National Top 100 Prospect |
| Offensive Line| [Name to be Added] | 3-star | All-State Honors |
| Wide Receiver | [Name to be Added] | 4-star | Multiple Touchdown Leader |
**Note:** The table will be updated as more recruits commit to Notre Dame’s 2026 class.
## Looking Ahead: Davis Jr.’s Journey Begins
Thomas Davis Jr.’s commitment to Notre Dame is a significant moment for both the player and the program. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his development and contributions to the Fighting Irish dynasty. His dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence will undoubtedly make him a force to be reckoned with in the years ahead.
