Notre Dame football commit knows who 'target number one' is for July recruiting

The Notre Dame football team has, for whatever reason, had some serious problems winning the recruiting battles for some of the best wide receivers in the 2025 class. However, Marcus Freeman has one more chance to land one of his top targets at the position in Derek Meadows.

Just a few days ago, it appears the Fighting Irish were … out of the fight. But they’re back in it. And it’s possible that some heavy-duty peer recruiting can help. Peer recruiting from guys like offensive line commit Owen Strebig.

Strebig recently talked to Rivals’ Tyler James about the “brotherhood” that the 2025 Notre Dame football commits feel. And he talked about his number one target to bring into that brotherhood. You probably guessed it. It’s Derek Meadows.

Notre Dame football commit knows who “target number one” is for July recruiting

“Derek Meadows, that’s target number one,” Strebig said last month. “Once we get Derek Meadows, I think life will be good.”

He might have said that a little while back, but it’s clear it’s also still the truth. “We want to show how much we care about him,” Strebig more recently. “It's the right place for him. He’s just got to make it official.”

Peer recruiting has played an important part in Notre Dame locking down an impressive class. It also played a big part in locking down an impressive 2024 cycle. 

Strebig isn’t the only one who’s been working on Meadows either. QB commit Deuce Knight has made it clear he’s worked to get in the 4-star Bishop Gorman wide receiver’s ear. Did all of this work to get the stud target to push his commitment date back a week?

It’s said a Tuesday conversation played the biggest part there with the Irish. But perhaps the ground had been laid. 

Strebig has tried to do his part. So have others. Now it’s time for the Notre Dame football coaching staff to do theirs and get Derek Meadows on board when he announces his school on July 20.