One of the things that Notre Dame football offers that can’t be easily replicated by other schools hoping to compete for a National Title is their reputation for what comes after college.
The Fighting Irish often talk to recruits about how the school’s academic prestige can be a way to open doors for those players who might not be looking at the NFL. Or even long after their playing days are over. And as it turns out, academic prestige has been noted as very important by one of ND’s top targets for the 2026 class.
3-star defensive back Nick Reddish has taken a big step in his recruiting. And Notre Dame football will play a part in it, as he has locked in five official visits, including a trip to South Bend. And when Reddish does come to see what the Blue and Gold have to offer, one of the things he’ll be paying close attention to is the classroom and other academic situations.
Notre Dame football academics stand out for Nick Reddish
The defensive back out of Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina actually has his whole spring mapped out. He goes to Indiana on May 2nd and will follow that up with a trip to Wisconsin on May 30th. Then, he’ll visit Virginia Tech on June 6th, then Notre Dame on June 13th, and finish up his officials with USC on June 20th.
With things laid out so completely, it’s clear that Reddish knows how he wants to get this all done and that means Notre Dame will need to find a way to stand out. And it’s clear that football facilities and training tables will play a part. But books and class schedules will too.
“Notre Dame has stood out because of the education that they are offering and the networking that you can get when you go there,” Reddish told Irish Sports Daily.
He’s already been on campus twice, last April and June and when he comes back this spring, the 2026 prospect has made it clear he’ll be focusing more on what Notre Dame football can offer academically. That’s a big leg up on the other schools on Nick Reddish’s visit list and Marcus Freeman certainly knows how to lean into that.