On a day mostly focused on recruiting targets from the Class of 2027, Notre Dame made a significant move for its 2026 recruiting class. While the Irish extended dozens of offers to 2027 prospects on Pot of Gold Day, they also surprised 2026 Massachusetts defensive lineman Marcus Almada with an offer.
Almada, a standout at Tabor Academy, spoke with Notre Dame’s defensive line coach, Al Washington, on Monday.
“He said he watched my film and loved how I move for my size, how I can move with my frame, and my quick feet,” the 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman told Irish Sports Daily. “They like the way I play, but also are looking for players who embody what my school represents—being able to handle things on your own and take responsibility. At my school, I live independently and face those challenges. They’re looking for players who reflect that mindset, and he said I’d be a great fit for Notre Dame.”
Almada’s recruitment has been heating up recently, with offers from schools like Kentucky, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Clemson, and Minnesota. After Notre Dame’s offer on Monday, he also added Penn State to his list.
The Notre Dame offer has certainly made an impact.
“I’m still in shock,” Almada said. “I can’t believe it. A school like Notre Dame is amazing. I’m just soaking it all in right now and still in awe. The culture, how the program is built, and what they stand for—it’s everything. The reputation they hold makes them such a great program.”
Marcus Almada
Coach Washington is eager to get Almada to South Bend, possibly for multiple visits.
“He said he’ll send me some dates to visit,” Almada said. “I’m definitely planning to make an official visit, but for now, I’m focused on moving forward, visiting the campus, and seeing how I like it.”
Almada has already scheduled official visits to Kentucky, Oklahoma State, and Syracuse. He knows exactly what he’s looking for in a school.
“It’s definitely about how the program is run, the connections between coaches and players. Education is also important to me, as well as the overall culture—what the school stands for and the atmosphere around it.”
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