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Eli Lederman, ESPN Staff Writer
Notre Dame secured its highest-ranked commitment for the 2026 class on Tuesday night when four-star outside linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. pledged his allegiance to the Fighting Irish. Davis Jr., son of former Georgia All-American and 16-year NFL veteran Thomas Davis Sr., brings impressive credentials to South Bend.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, the junior at North Carolina’s Weddington High School is ranked No. 126 overall in ESPN’s Junior 300. His commitment follows a visit to Notre Dame during their resounding 52-3 victory over Florida State just three days prior. This comes on the heels of another weekend visitor, Nolan James – a former Boston College running back pledge who flipped to the Irish for the 2025 class.
Having racked up an impressive 123 total tackles across his first two high school seasons, Davis Jr. enters his junior year season as ESPN’s No. 10 outside linebacker in the 2026 cycle. Top contenders vying for his allegiance included Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan, North Carolina, NC State, and Oregon.
Editor’s Picks
Davis Jr. becomes the third and highest-ranked member of head coach Marcus Freeman‘s 2026 class. Joining him is four-star quarterback Noah Grubbs (No. 140 in the ESPN 300), marking Notre Dame’s second top-300 commitment for 2026. The Irish also hold a pledge from three-star wide receiver Dylan Faison of Boca Raton, Florida.
Following his father’s footsteps, Davis Jr. will transition into major college football when he signs at the end of the 2025 cycle.
The elder Davis earned recognition during his time at Georgia from 2002 to 2004, securing two-time All-SEC linebacker honors and consensus All-American accolades in his junior season. Drafted 14th overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2005 NFL draft, he spent 14 seasons with the team, becoming a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection in 2015. He also received the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award from the NFL in 2014.
Notre Dame’s current 2025 class is headlined by nine ESPN 300 pledges and stands at number 15 according to ESPN’s latest team class rankings. The eighth-ranked Irish face off against Virginia at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
# Notre Dame Lands Top Recruit Thomas Davis Jr. in 2026 Class
Fans of **Notre Dame Fighting Irish football** are celebrating after securing a commitment from four-star linebacker **Thomas Davis Jr.** for the 2026 recruiting class. The son of former NFL star Thomas Davis Sr., Davis Jr. brings immense talent and pedigree to South Bend, solidifying Notre Dame’s position as a national powerhouse in college football recruiting.
## A Legacy Runs Deep: The Story of Thomas Davis Jr.
Thomas Davis Jr.’s journey into the world of athletics began early, following in the footsteps of his legendary father. Growing up amidst the fervor of NFL game days and witnessing firsthand the dedication required to reach the pinnacle of professional sports, Davis Jr. cultivated a deep passion for the game. He honed his skills on the gridiron, quickly demonstrating exceptional athleticism, instincts, and leadership qualities.
**Key Highlights of Davis Jr.’s High School Career:**
* **Dominant Performance**: He consistently ranks among the top linebackers in his class, showcasing a combination of power, speed, and tactical intelligence.
* **National Recognition**: He has garnered widespread attention from college scouts and recruiters across the nation, earning numerous accolades and distinctions.
* **Team Leadership**: Davis Jr.’s on-field presence inspires teammates and opponents alike. He possesses a natural ability to motivate those around him and lead by example.
## Choosing the Fighting Irish: A Perfect Fit
Notre Dame’s commitment to academic excellence and athletic prowess has always attracted top talent. The opportunity to learn from experienced coaches like Marcus Freeman, alongside fellow high-caliber athletes, was undoubtedly a significant factor in Davis Jr.’s decision.
**Factors Influencing Davis Jr.’s Choice:**
* **Tradition of Excellence**: Notre Dame’s storied history and unwavering commitment to producing successful football players provided an undeniable draw.
* **Strong Coaching Staff**: The opportunity to learn from renowned coaches like Marcus Freeman, who prioritizes player development both on and off the field, was a major influence.
* **Academic Rigor**: Davis Jr.’s academic aspirations align perfectly with Notre Dame’s prestigious academic programs, ensuring a well-rounded college experience.
## The Future is Bright: Davis Jr.’s Impact on Notre Dame
The addition of Thomas Davis Jr. to the Fighting Irish roster promises to elevate their defense to new heights. His exceptional skills and unwavering dedication will undoubtedly make him a vital asset in future seasons.
**Potential Contributions:**
* **Defensive Leader**: His natural leadership qualities will inspire defensive teammates and solidify their on-field performance.
* **Playmaking Ability**: Davis Jr.’s instincts and athleticism will allow him to disrupt opposing offenses, leading to turnovers and game-changing plays.
* **Recruiting Magnet**: His commitment to Notre Dame further strengthens the program’s recruiting prowess, attracting top talent seeking a winning culture.
