Wisconsin football top class of 2026 target commits to Notre Dame
Wisconsin football top class of 2026 target commits to Notre Dame
Wisconsin football top class of 2026 target Tyler Merrill committed to Notre Dame on Thursday.
The four-star offensive lineman chose the Fighting Irish over other finalists Wisconsin, Penn State, Alabama and Clemson. He joins a Notre Dame class of 2026 that currently ranks No. 5 in the nation at this early stage in the cycle, with just seven players committed.
Related: Former Wisconsin cornerback files lawsuit against NCAA
247Sports currently ranks Merrill as the No. 61 overall player in the class of 2026, the No. 5 interior offensive lineman and the No. 2 recruit from his home state of Pennsylvania. By all accounts, he's one of the top players at his position in the class.
His commitment to Notre Dame doesn't come as a major surprise. On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine listed the Fighting Irish as the prohibitive favorite. Notably, he commits to play for Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph, a longtime Wisconsin assistant (tight ends coach from 2008-11, offensive coordinator from 2015-21).
Wisconsin has still yet to make a move in the class of 2026. It has just one player committed: three-star offensive lineman Benjamin Novak. The program is looking for its third top-25 class in as many years under head coach Luke Fickell.
Merrill would have been a major recruiting win to kick off the cycle. Instead, he commits to join a Notre Dame offensive line room that currently sits near top of the sport.
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