2026 LB Colsen Gatten Grabs Notre Dame Offer, Sets Visit

Colsen Gatten‍ didn’t hold back when the 2026 Pennsylvania linebacker was asked what Sunday’s offer from Notre Dame meant.

“It's special,” Gatten told Irish Sports Daily. “It's different. It's definitely a big deal, but the social media blast with about Pot of Gold Day is super cool. No one else does that except for Notre Dame. I think it was really cool, really cool. Special.

“The culture and the program, the reputation they have overall as a program and their football and academics and what Notre Dame can do for you after football. I think it's pretty impressive.”

The Central Catholic High School standout has been in regular communication with linebackers coach Max Bullough and staffer Carter Auman. Gatten has also talked with defensive coordinator Al Golden and head coach Marcus Freeman.

Bullough stopped by the school last month.

“He let me know that they were going to offer me on Part Gold Day,” the 6-foot, 205-pounder said. “Basically, the message was 'Keep working, we're excited to get you up here.' They think Notre Dame would be a great fit for me.”

Gatten was in South Bend for last year’s spring game and the game against Pittsburgh.

He’ll be back on April 6th.

“I'm super excited,” he said. “I definitely want to see the coaches, how all the coaches coach, watch the linebackers play. 

“I'm just super excited that now that I have the opportunity to play there, that I'm able to envision myself playing there and just taking it all in.”

Gatten visited Pitt recently and also has plans to get to Duke, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State and Tennessee this spring.

“My biggest thing is probably just realizing that football isn't forever. I think that school and the culture and the connection setting you up for after school is going to be one of the biggest parts of choosing where I go because football does not last forever. You have to have connections and a really good school and good education, everything like that.”

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