The Notre Dame football program may have encountered a setback in their pursuit of their top quarterback prospect for the 2026 class. This obstacle, as it happens, appears to be quite significant, akin to the size of an alligator.
Ever since offering a spot to Cocoa quarterback Brady Hart, the Notre Dame coaching staff, led by Marcus Freeman, seemed to be in a favorable position to secure his commitment. However, the situation may have shifted with Hart beginning to explore other options.
According to recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong from On3, the Florida Gators are making significant strides in their pursuit of Hart. It’s plausible they’ve even managed to overshadow the considerable interest Hart initially showed after receiving an offer from Notre Dame football.
The Fighting Irish were always facing an uphill battle for Hart’s commitment. Being one of the premier players in Florida and highly regarded in his class, Hart’s recruitment was fiercely contested. Notre Dame initially gained ground due to Hart’s admiration for the school’s values. Additionally, his recent visit to South Bend was highly positive. However, it’s important to approach a recruit’s enthusiasm post-visit with caution, as it’s influenced by coaches’ pitches and positive experiences during the trip. While Hart is discerning, subsequent visits could alter his perspective.
Notre Dame football faces tough competition from schools in Florida, particularly the Gators, who are gaining traction due to Hart’s enjoyable visit and familial ties to the university. Both of Hart’s parents and his grandfather attended Florida, making it emotionally compelling to follow in their footsteps. Moreover, the prospect of relocating halfway across the country for several years poses its challenges.
Notre Dame football is confronted with a formidable challenge. They’re also actively recruiting Hart’s teammate, Jayvan Boggs, in hopes of securing his commitment as well. The race to secure both prospects’ commitments is bound to be intense and closely watched until the end.
