Havon Finney is quickly emerging as one of the most sought-after defensive back recruits in the 2026 class. Until recently, Notre Dame and other top programs believed he was part of the 2027 class, but with his reclassification, the competition to secure his commitment has intensified.
Now that Finney is arriving at the college level a year earlier than expected, many coaching staffs that had planned to build relationships over time are scrambling to adjust their recruiting strategies. Among them is Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, who officially extended an offer to Finney over the weekend.
Landing Finney won’t be easy for the Fighting Irish, as he is one of the most coveted defensive backs in the country. However, Notre Dame has positioned itself in the race and will now focus on getting him to South Bend for an official visit. With the recruiting timeline accelerating toward December’s signing day, securing a visit will be crucial in their efforts to sway Finney’s decision.
Notre Dame Joins the Race for Havon Finney
Ranked as a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Finney has already accumulated more than 20 scholarship offers from powerhouse programs across the nation. His appeal is clear—despite his young age, he has already established himself as a lockdown cornerback with elite playmaking ability.
During the 2024 season, Finney recorded 37 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and four interceptions. This impressive performance followed a strong freshman campaign where he logged 27 tackles and an interception, per MaxPreps.
Beyond his football talents, Finney is also a standout track athlete. As a freshman, he clocked a 10.81-second 100-meter dash and a 22.51-second 200-meter dash. He also posted a wind-aided 22.28-second 200-meter time, according to MileSplit. His elite speed makes him an even more intriguing prospect for college programs looking for dynamic defensive backs.
Among the schools competing for Finney’s commitment are LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas, among others. With stiff competition from these major programs, Notre Dame must act quickly to make a lasting impression. The next key step will be securing a visit from the California native later this summer, giving the Irish a chance to showcase what their program has to offer.
As the recruitment process heats up, Notre Dame will have to navigate a fierce battle to land one of the most electrifying defensive backs in the 2026 class.
