The Latest | Notre Dame & Jerome Bettis Jr.

I had some trouble connecting with Jerome Bettis Jr.‍, initially on Friday afternoon.

Not sure if it was his phone or mine, but it took a couple connections before we could both hear each other.

When Irish wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey spoke with the 2025 Georgia wide receiver last week to let Bettis Jr. know he had an offer from Notre Dame, he experienced something similar last week, but the connection never actually dropped.

“Right after he told me about it, I was stunned,” Bettis Jr., explained. “I was on the phone with Coach Stuckey. I didn't even know what to say. I couldn't speak. He was on the phone like, 'Are you there?' Because I couldn't say anything. I was stunned.

“It was amazing. It was surreal to receive that offer from that school...I don't even know. Words can't describe it.”

The significance of picking up an offer from “that school” is obvious given he’s the son of the former Irish legend with the same name.

The Woodward Academy star is extremely familiar with the school and surrounding area and became even more well-versed in recent years as his father returned to get his degree.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder also has offers from Arkansas, Missouri, Boston College, Marshall, UAB UConn and UMass.

There was a time when Bettis Jr. wondered if a potential Irish offer would only come in part because of his father’s history at the school. But, he’s been reassured by the the coaches that they wouldn’t extend an offer to him unless they truly wanted him for who he is.

Notre Dame receivers coach Chansi Stuckey has formed a tremendously relationship with Bettis Jr.

“I love Coach,” Bettis Jr. says. “He's great. I love Coach Stuckey.”

Bettis Jr. will be back in South Bend for next month’s spring game and is looking forward to meeting many other staff members.

He’s also looking at getting to Oregon at some point this spring, but it’s obvious the Notre Dame offer holds a special place.

Asked directly if he’d consider the Irish his leader right now, Bettis Jr., thought about it for a minute before responding.

“Yeah. It's safe to say they're my top school right now.”

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