2026 DL Gabriel Hill Talks Notre Dame Offer, Upcoming Visit

Gabriel Hill‍ had been in contact with the Notre Dame coaching staff for weeks and on Sunday, the 2026 Illinois defensive lineman was able to announce he had received an offer from the Irish.

“The offer means so much in just the belief the program has in me,” the Naperville North standout told Irish Sports Daily.

“We’re talking about one of the most elite programs in college football now and in history. So, to be able to have that program believe in you is special.”

Hill’s other offers include Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas State. 

The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder has been keeping in touch with Irish defensive line coach Al Washington. 

He visited Iowa last month and is excited to get down to South Bend for a visit this Saturday.

“I just want to meet the coaches,” he said. “If the coaches like you and believe in you, there’s no other way to go but up. So, building great relationships with them is so key.”

Hill also recognizes that he has plenty of work to do, but plenty of time to do it.

“It’s not my senior year,” he said. “It’s only my sophomore year. So, I need to keep grinding and dominating on the field. I still have so much left for these next two years and I can’t wait to display it.” 

That falls in line with what Hill will be valuing when he ultimately needs to make a decision.

“The most important thing is development,” he said. “I fell in love with the game dominating and when I’m done with the game, I want to be at those same heights. 

“So I want a program to develop me to my highest potential.”

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