BREAKING: Class of 2026 Tight End Preston Fryzel Commits to Notre Dame Over Iowa and Miami
Notre Dame just secured a major commitment that could help define its offensive identity for the future. Preston Fryzel, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound tight end from Toledo, Ohio, has officially committed to the Fighting Irish, he confirmed to @on3recruits. A rising star in the Class of 2026, Fryzel chose Notre Dame over strong offers from both Iowa and Miami (FL), capping a competitive recruitment for one of the Midwest’s most complete offensive weapons.
In announcing his decision, Fryzel delivered a heartfelt and confident message: “The Golden Standard chose me, South Bend I’m Home Go Irish!! ☘️☘️”
And with that, Marcus Freeman and the Irish coaching staff have landed one of the most coveted tight ends in the cycle—and a player who perfectly fits Notre Dame’s storied history at the position.
A Classic Notre Dame Fit
When you talk about Notre Dame football, tight end excellence is a central theme. From Kyle Rudolph to Tyler Eifert, Cole Kmet, and most recently Michael Mayer, the Irish have long prided themselves on producing NFL-ready talent at the position. Now, in Preston Fryzel, they have a chance to continue that legacy into the late 2020s.
Fryzel, a dynamic athlete with a large catch radius and surprising agility for his size, has been on the radar of Power Five programs since his sophomore year. Standing 6’4″ and weighing in at 220 pounds, he’s already a matchup nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs at the high school level—and he’s only going to get better. Whether lining up in-line, flexed out as an H-back, or even split wide, Fryzel has shown the kind of versatility that offensive coordinators dream about.
For Notre Dame, a team that frequently leans on two-tight end sets and pro-style offensive principles, Fryzel brings the ideal blend of physicality, route-running, and catching ability. He’s a polished product for a rising junior and one that should only elevate his game in the next two seasons at the high school level.
Recruiting Battle: Irish Win Against Strong Contenders
Fryzel’s recruitment wasn’t quiet or under-the-radar. Programs like Iowa—known for their tight end development pipeline—and Miami, which has been aggressively recruiting Midwest talent, were deep in the mix.
Iowa, in particular, made a strong push. The Hawkeyes have a long-standing reputation for producing NFL-caliber tight ends, such as George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Noah Fant. Their pitch was strong: come to a program where physical football and tight end utilization is central to the offensive philosophy.
Miami, on the other hand, emphasized Fryzel’s athleticism and how it could be maximized in a modern spread system, with a more open-field approach that could feature him prominently in the red zone and down the seams.
But Notre Dame’s tradition, academic excellence, and the personal relationship built between Fryzel and the Irish staff proved too strong to overcome.
Relationship with Notre Dame Staff
Sources close to Fryzel’s recruitment emphasize the tight-knit relationship he’s built with head coach Marcus Freeman, tight ends coach Mike Denbrock, and several other assistants. Notre Dame’s consistent communication, strong development pitch, and deep-rooted culture of excellence made a lasting impression on the young prospect.
Denbrock, who rejoined the Irish after a successful stint as LSU’s offensive coordinator, has wasted no time reestablishing Notre Dame as a tight end destination. Fryzel will have a chance to be a centerpiece in that vision—possibly even as early as his freshman year if his development continues on track.
What Fryzel Said About the Decision
In his brief but passionate announcement, Fryzel wrote: “The Golden Standard chose me.” It’s a bold statement—and one that reflects how personal and meaningful the commitment is. Rather than simply choosing a school, Fryzel expressed that Notre Dame recognized his value and made him feel like more than just a prospect.
His declaration that “South Bend I’m home” also speaks volumes about the fit he sees culturally and personally with the university. Fryzel’s combination of talent, humility, and competitive edge seems tailor-made for the Fighting Irish locker room.
What’s Next for the Irish
Notre Dame has been stacking strong classes under Freeman, and Fryzel’s commitment gives the Irish a cornerstone offensive piece for 2026. It also sends a message to other top recruits: Notre Dame continues to attract elite talent that aligns with its values, system, and long-term goals.
With Fryzel on board, the Irish can now focus on adding complementary offensive pieces in the same class—possibly a quarterback who could eventually develop chemistry with the Toledo native, and more skill players to enhance the future arsenal.
Final Thoughts
Preston Fryzel’s commitment to Notre Dame is more than just a win on the recruiting trail—it’s the next chapter in the program’s tight end tradition. With size, skill, and swagger, Fryzel embodies the kind of player who can leave a legacy in South Bend.
In a sport where fit matters just as much as raw ability, Fryzel and Notre Dame appear to be a perfect match. For now, Irish fans can celebrate a big-time addition to the 2026 class—and look forward to what’s next from one of Ohio’s best young stars.