Great Bend (Kan.) High tight end Ian Premer has officially committed to Notre Dame, marking a significant win for the Fighting Irish as they bolster their 2026 recruiting class. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Premer was notably a hot commodity, with Iowa State, Kansas State, and Notre Dame vying for his commitment. Interestingly, predictions had surfaced earlier in the day suggesting that he might choose Kansas State, illustrating just how unpredictable the recruiting process can be.
But in a twist that underscores the sometimes volatile nature of recruiting, Premer opted to go with the Irish after taking time to weigh his options. A FaceTime call with Notre Dame’s coaching staff sealed the deal, and you can just imagine the excitement swirling in South Bend upon receiving such great news.
Ranked as On3’s No. 24 overall player and the No. 3 tight end in the nation, Premer also holds the distinction of being the top prospect from Kansas. The On3 Industry Ranking, which aggregates data from all four major recruiting outlets, places him at No. 42 overall and No. 4 among tight ends. His commitment adds to Notre Dame’s growing list of 2026 pledges, which now sits at 22. He is the second tight end in this class, joining fellow recruit Preston Fryzel from Toledo, Ohio.
What makes this even more thrilling for Notre Dame is that Premer is the highest-ranked tight end commitment the program has secured since the notable Michael Mayer joined in 2020, who himself was a highly touted player. In his junior season, Premer showcased impressive stats with 30 receptions for 541 yards and 8 touchdowns, along with 27 carries for 260 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. It’s hard not to be excited about his potential impact as he transitions to the collegiate level.
Premer’s recruitment heated up after the conclusion of Notre Dame’s 2024-25 season, with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and tight ends assistant Harris Bivin extending an offer to him on February 1. His first visit to Notre Dame came a few months later on March 21, where he was clearly taken by the atmosphere. “I had a really good visit,” he shared, highlighting the impressive nature of the campus and its historical buildings, a distinctive feature not often found at other universities. He also mentioned the new facility under construction, which speaks to the program’s commitment to excellence.
Moreover, Premer felt an immediate sense of relatability with the players and coaches, an essential factor for any recruit. With Denbrock, who wears many hats including that of tight ends coach and offensive coordinator, overseeing the position, Premer appreciates the extensive tight end history at Notre Dame. With a legacy of sending tight ends to the NFL, and a storied program that has celebrated national championships, Premer sees the potential for achieving greatness at Notre Dame.
As he wrapped up his recruitment, Premer visited other schools, including Kansas, Iowa State, and Kansas State, but Notre Dame always maintained a confident posture throughout the process, and it clearly paid off in the end. With Premer now joining the Irish, fans should be excited about the enhanced firepower he brings to an already ambitious 2026 class. Expect Notre Dame to remain a significant player in the recruiting scene as they look to make waves in the coming years.
