2026 DE JJ Finch Impressed With Notre Dame Visit

JJ Finch‍ was able to sum up Monday’s trip to Notre Dame in one word.

“Opportunity,” the 2026 Indiana defensive lineman told Irish Sports Daily.

“Opportunity for real. That's it.”

The Warren Central standout was provided the opportunity to play for the Irish when he received a scholarship offer on St. Patrick’s Day. That led to the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder setting up the trip to South Bend today, which he enjoyed.

“Just peaceful, really good environment,” he said. 

Finch had the opportunity to tour campus, but that overall environment stood out more than any of the buildings.

“Just a good place for people to really excel in their life, their future,” he said.

He did call the facilities “high-end.”

Finch had conversations with head coach Marcus Freeman, defensive coordinator Al Golden, defensive line coach Al Washington and Director of Recruiting Dre Brown. 

The one-on-one meeting with Freeman clearly made an impression.

“Deep down getting to know me as a person, not even as a player,” said Finch. 

According to Finch, Freeman’s message was about “how the University's different compared to everybody else and it could offer way more.”

And Freeman went further, backing up that claim with graphics, statistics and examples of what former Irish players are currently doing. 

Golden’s chat was about how the former NFL defensive coordinator could help develop him for that level.

“Coach Golden was really just telling me how going to The League, it's going to be a bumpy road, not just the straight and narrow, and that he's going to love on me even through the tough times,” said Finch.

Meanwhile, the talk with Washington focused on football and how he could see Finch playing defensive end and defensive tackle. 

“That's pretty good for a defense that's pro style,” he said. “I feel versatile enough to contribute.”

Finch, who also has offers from Louisville and Indiana among others, will be back in South Bend for the spring game in a couple weeks.

He doesn’t have any visits to any other schools set at the moment.

“Nope,” he said. “Just staying at home getting better.”

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