2025 DE Gabe Kaminski Enjoys Return to Notre Dame

2025 Nazareth Academy (Ill.) defensive end Gabe Kaminski‍ isn’t a stranger to Notre Dame as the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder had been to campus multiple times prior to last week’s return to campus. 

The visit this time was very different for Kaminski as he not only had an offer from Notre Dame, but the staff made sure to hit on key points and the Illinois native was able to see the Irish practice. 

“It was super beneficial,” Kaminski told ISD. “This visit was unlike any other I’ve had before because it was really in-depth. I met with the coaches, but also we sat down and watched some film and they told me about what Notre Dame has to offer.” 

Kaminski wanted to get a better feel for Irish defensive line coach Al Washington as a coach and he did just that during the trip. The Nazareth Academy star was attached to Washington’s hip from the start of the day and ended his visit with a much better feel for how Washington runs his room. 

“I was in the defensive line meeting before practice and they were going over a lot of plays and then during indy, they were working on those plays,” Kaminski said. “To see how Coach Washington teaches them and how it carries over from meetings to the field was great to see.” 

And yes, Kaminski also was able to see the energy Washington is known for on the practice field.  

“He had super high energy, especially during the one-on-ones when his players won a rep, but he was also calm and a teacher,” stated Kaminski. “During the team segments, he had super high energy.” 

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also spent time with Kaminski and the conversation was far from all football. 

“It was great,” stated Kaminski. “We talked a lot about wrestling and he’s a big wrestling fan. He talked to me about the culture of Notre Dame and how I was a great culture fit. He spoke about life at Notre Dame and how Notre Dame is a 4-for-40 situation.” 

Kaminski also made return trips to Northwestern and Wisconsin last week. The stop at Wisconsin was significant as Kaminski was able to get a feel for the new coaching staff for the first time and he noticed immediate changes under Luke Fickell. 

“I got to experience a practice with the old Wisconsin coaching staff and there was a tremendous difference in how crisp practice was with the new coaching staff,” Kaminski said. “The energy they brought was great to see.” 

As for his recruitment, Kaminski isn’t in a rush to make a decision, but he has thought about a potential timeline for a commitment. 

“I was thinking sometime after my junior season,” said Kaminski. 

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