2026 DL JJ Finch Returns To Notre Dame...Will Be Back

Not even a week after his first visit to Notre Dame, JJ Finch‍ was back in South Bend on Saturday.

And, the 2026 Indiana defensive end will be back again next week.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder from Warren Central was offered by the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day and made the trip up from Indianapolis for a visit on Monday.

He returned on Saturday to check out the Irish’s practice.

“Just good football, really fast-paced,” Finch said.

He’d been told that he would be a good fit for the Irish defense, but welcomed the opportunity to see it “up close” on Saturday.

After being able to examine it for himself on Saturday, Finch agrees that it’s a fit.

“Like a glove really,” Finch said. “No issues, just go out there and play ball.

“I can rush the passer at a high efficiency and my run-stopping ability is like off the roof. I can take on the double team, all of that.”

Finch didn’t watch any particular defensive lineman, saying, “I know where I'm going to be at.”

Finch could see himself playing the three and five-techniques for the Irish.

The message from the Notre Dame staff was simple.

“Just keep coming down here, really,” Finch said of the Irish’s message.

“ They like seeing me down there, just soak it all in.”

And, he’ll be back for next Saturday’s spring game.

Finch, who also has offers from Louisville and Indiana among others, doesn’t have any trips to anywhere else scheduled.

Asked what that says of his interest in Notre Dame, Finch said, “A lot,” while adding how much values the connections and relationships he’s making with the coaches and players in South Bend.

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