In a major recruiting victory for Notre Dame, four-star tight end Evan Jacobson has officially committed to the Fighting Irish, choosing South Bend over offers from Wisconsin, Iowa State, Florida State, and Texas A&M. The Waukee (Iowa) standout is considered one of the top tight ends in the 2025 class, and his decision solidifies Notre Dame’s reputation as a premier destination for elite tight ends.
Jacobson, who has been highly sought-after by several powerhouse programs, made his decision after extensive conversations with the Notre Dame coaching staff, ultimately locking in his commitment and reaffirming his confidence in the Irish’s offensive system.
“Notre Dame has everything I want,” Jacobson said. “It’s a program that develops tight ends at a high level, competes for championships, and gives me the best opportunity for my future on and off the field.”
Why Notre Dame?
Jacobson’s commitment to Notre Dame speaks volumes about what the Irish program offers to top recruits. With a strong track record of developing NFL-caliber tight ends, including Michael Mayer, Cole Kmet, and Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame provides an ideal system for Jacobson to grow and maximize his potential.
Here are the key reasons why he chose Notre Dame over other top schools:
1. Elite Tight End Development
Notre Dame is widely recognized as one of the best programs for tight ends in college football. Their offensive scheme prioritizes tight end involvement, making it a perfect fit for Jacobson’s skill set.
2. Strong Relationship with Coaching Staff
Jacobson built a close bond with Notre Dame tight ends coach Drew Pyne and head coach Marcus Freeman, who made him feel like a priority recruit from the beginning. The staff’s vision for his role in the offense played a significant role in his decision.
3. Academic Excellence & Tradition
Beyond football, Notre Dame offers a prestigious academic experience. Jacobson, who has emphasized the importance of education in his decision-making process, saw the university as the perfect place to grow both athletically and academically.
“Notre Dame is the total package,” he said. “The combination of football, academics, and the culture made it an easy choice.”
The Programs He Turned Down
Jacobson had offers from Wisconsin, Iowa State, Florida State, and Texas A&M, all of which made strong pushes to land him. Here’s why he ultimately declined their offers:
- Wisconsin & Iowa State – Both Midwest programs pitched him on staying close to home, but neither could match Notre Dame’s track record of developing tight ends.
- Florida State – The Seminoles had an appealing offensive system but lacked the historical success of producing top-tier tight ends.
- Texas A&M – While Texas A&M’s facilities and NIL potential were enticing, Jacobson preferred a more traditional football culture.
How Jacobson Fits at Notre Dame
Jacobson brings a rare combination of size, speed, and blocking ability to Notre Dame’s offense. At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, he has the physical tools to become a dominant force in both the passing and running game.
Notre Dame envisions him as a multi-dimensional tight end capable of:
- Stretching the field as a receiving target
- Creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties
- Excelling in run-blocking schemes
With his versatility and work ethic, Jacobson has the potential to make an immediate impact as soon as he arrives on campus.
Final Thoughts
Notre Dame’s recruitment of Evan Jacobson is a significant win in the 2025 cycle. His decision to reject major programs like Wisconsin, Florida State, and Texas A&M highlights just how appealing Notre Dame