2024 DE Nigel Smith Enjoys Second Look At Notre Dame

After camping at Notre Dame over the summer, Nigel Smith Jr.‍ was back in South Bend for the USC game this past weekend and the 2024 Texas defensive end liked what he saw.

“It was pretty great,” the Melissa High School standout said. “Just to see the campus again and being able to be part of that gameday atmosphere was just awesome.

“They played really good, especially the d-line, they were getting to that quarterback..It was just good to watch.”

Notre Dame was Smith’s first scholarship offer back in May and the 6-foot-5, 245-pounder made his first trip up to South Bend in June.

He got to see the Irish defensive structure in person against the Trojans.

“We run a similar defense to what they run, so I could definitely fit,” said Smith.

He also had the chance to catch up with Irish defensive line coach Mike Elston.

“We talked, he talked a little bit about me and we just talked about football,” said Smith. “I think he's a real good person.

“I think he would be a good coach for me because he would definitely hold me accountable. I feel like he's chill, but he's not going to let you do whatever you want. I feel like he's a coach who is definitely going to get on you.”

Smith, who also has offers from schools like LSU and Rutgers among others, will be at Ohio State next month for the Buckeyes’ game against Michigan State and plans on returning to South Bend again in the future.

“Next is just going to be another gameday visit probably next year, but I'll definitely be up there during the summer sometime.”