2026 MA OL Marky Walbridge On The Notre Dame Radar

Joe Rudolph and Marky Walbridge‍ have missed each other this month as weather prevented the Notre Dame offensive line coach from getting to St. Sebastian’s School in Needham, Mass., to see the 2026 offensive lineman.

“We didn't have school (when Rudolph was going to come last week),” Walbridge explained “He was going to try and come by this week, but because of weather, he wasn't able to make it out.”

Still, the 6-foot-7, 280-pounder and Rudolph have been in steady communication.

“He'll talk to me about the school and he'll talk to me about myself,” Walbridge explained.

“They're one of the top academic schools in the US and their football has been really good. Obviously their o-line, they're known for having a good o-line throughout the years, some of the best in the country.”

Walbridge has a host of early offers from schools like Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee, Boston College and UMass among several others. 

College coaches like his size, attitude and quick feet, according to Walbridge.

The Irish haven’t offered yet, but Walbridge would certainly be interested if they did.

“Definitely,” he said. “Since I was a big kid growing up, my grandfather always said I'd be on the o-line one day. He loved Notre Dame and he always told me it would be a great place to go play football. So, I would definitely be interested. It'd be one of the top schools I'd be interested in.”

In fact, Walbridge made his way to South Bend for a visit last June.

“I loved it,” he said. “It had really nice facilities and we learned about the education a little bit. It sounded great. It was great to meet the coaches and everyone too.”

But it’s too early for him to have any sort of favorites.

“I'd like to get around to more schools this summer and during our break to get a feel for them, meet the coaches again, see the campus more and there are some schools I haven't even been out to,” he said. 

“I'd like to get down to Clemson, I'd like to see Tennessee. I haven't seen Michigan State.”

Walbridge has plenty of time to make a decision, but already has a good idea of what he’ll be looking for when he does.

“I would definitely say education plays a big part and then probably the coach, the coaches and then the players too. I want to go to a school where there is a tight bond with the players and it's not one player just in it for themselves. They're in it for the whole team.”

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