Notre Dame football locking down the love from top special teams ace

While the Notre Dame football team’s pursuit of wide receivers like Tanook Hines, or defensive back Jordan Thomas might generate more headlines, Marcus Freeman and company know it’s just as important that the team add some talent to its special teams.

That’s why it was important that punter/kicker prospect Erik Schmidt enjoyed his visit to South Bend. The good news is that it appears the specialist did indeed like what he saw. So much that he’s planning another trip to see what the Fighting Irish have to offer as he moves closer to a commitment.

Notre Dame football locking down the love from top special teams ace

Schmidt‍ was at Notre Dame for camp last week and after another good time in South Bend, it looks like the 2025 Wisconsin punter/kicker will be back again. 

“I did my punting and then I had a meeting with Coach (Marcus) Freeman, which was good.” Schmidt told Irish Sports Daily. “I had a meeting with Chad (Bowden). He talked about doing an official.”

The Marquette University High standout has already been to see Notre Dame multiple times and said he’ll “probably” be back for an official in the fall. 

The Irish are not the runaway favorite for the punter and kicker. He’s also aken an official to Wisconsin and is taking another to Boston College this weekend. However, it’s possible that his recruiting could be wrapping up.

He has no other officials set beyond the Fighting Irish.

Of course, in order to land Schmidt, the Notre Dame coaches will first have to offer him officially. Right now, his only concrete offer is from Missouri. It’s thought others will be coming soon. Especially from Wisconsin.

The question then becomes whether the Notre Dame football team thinks its needs on special teams are good enough to use a scholarship on the Milwaukee native.