Blue-Chip Kansas TE Ian Premer Commits to the Irish

TEU continues

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on a recruiting bender right now (all puns intended). On Thursday, 4-Star tight end Ian Premer gave his public commitment to Mike Denbrock, Marcus Freeman, and the 2026 Notre Dame Football recruiting class.

The 6’6” 225 pounder from Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kansas, chose the Irish over the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Iowa State Cylcones, Michigan Wolverines, and just about any school in the country trying to recruit a blue-chip tight end.

From 247:

Productive, versatile high school football player who projects as a playmaking option at tight end. Produced a layered statistical catalog as a junior with noteworthy numbers in receiving, rushing, multiple defensive categories, and even special teams. A bit unorthodox in movement patterns but plays with obvious build-up speed. Regularly gains yards after contact. Convicted blocker who should get better with added mass/strength, but already flashes some occasional pop upon engagement. Moves around the formation and provides effective snaps in a variety of spots. Explosive basketball player with above-the-rim athleticism. Also plays baseball. Gaining mass and learning to survive at the point of attack against P4 opponents present a learning curve, but projects as a high-major recruit who could become a difference-making tight end with legitimate pro potential.

From ISD’s Jamie Uyeyama:

I think he shares a lot of similar athletic traits to current Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon, but more of a Gronkish nature after the catch that is reminiscent of former Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. He doesn’t have the refinement as a receiver that Mayer had, but it can certainly be developed.

That combination of those two players matches up with a player Notre Dame faced last season in the College Football Playoff. Former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was a straight up “dude” who stood out against elite competition because of his athleticism and compete level. Premer has the talent and approach to make the same kind of impact.

Premer is the 22nd commitment for Notre Dame’s 2026 football recruiting class and the first one from the state of Kansas. The class is now represented by 11 different states and is still currently ranked #2 in the country according to the 247 Team Composite Rankings.

The Irish are finally bucking the trend of one tight end per class, and have a phenomenal duo with both Fryzel and Premer.

This is a massive win for the Irish. Just a few weeks ago, the word around town was that Premer wasn’t going to leave the area. Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame didn’t back down to a trope that has haunted them in the past, and got this done. This is a big one, and not just because Premer is so good (because he really is) but because the Irish are showing they are all in on recruiting the best talent — and consistently winning the commitment.

WELCOME TO ND IAN!ment.