2026 TE JC Anderson High on Notre Dame, Will Return in June
2026 Mt. Zion (Ill.) tight end JC Anderson has quickly become a national prospect as he now has offers coast-to-coast after earning an offer from Oregon earlier this week.
Notre Dame has hosted the 6-foot-7, 235-pounder multiple times and Anderson was most recently on campus for a spring practice, which left a positive impression.
“It was really special to me,” Anderson stated. “Notre Dame is obviously a special place. I really loved the intensity at practice. There were a couple of fights at practice with how intense the guys were. I got to talk with Coach (Marcus) Freeman and he gave me some good advice, so it was a great trip.”
In addition to time spent with Freeman, Anderson was able to connect with offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Mike Denbrock, who made it clear the Illinois native would be an ideal fit in the Irish offense.
“He was telling me I’d fit right in,” said Anderson. “They’re going to try to get more vertical like they did at LSU and I’d fit right into their tight end spot. Me and my parents love Coach Denbrock. We have had great conversations.”
Denbrock also showed Anderson is wanted in South Bend as he stopped by Mt. Zion the first day Notre Dame hit the road recruiting last week.
“It’s definitely special because he’s a legendary coach,” Anderson explained. “My coach is a huge Notre Dame fan, so he was freaking out whenever he knew Coach Denbrock was coming down.”
Anderson’s head coach isn’t the only Notre Dame fan on the Mt. Zion staff as his defensive coordinator has some strong ties to the Irish program with his dad playing linebacker for the 1973 national title team.
That said, the Mt. Zion staff isn’t swaying Anderson as they want the best for their star tight end.
“They don’t really talk about it,” laughed Anderson. “I know they’re huge Notre Dame fans, but they try not to influence my decision at all. It’s really just me and my parents.”
Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State also were able to get Anderson on campus this spring.
Michigan offered during Anderson’s visit and he left impressed with what he saw despite it being a trip where he wasn’t able to connect with the staff too much.
“They had probably some of the best facilities I’ve ever seen,” explained Anderson. “I didn’t get to see much because it was the spring game. I’m not a big fan of going to spring games because you don’t get to spend a lot of time with the players or coaches. The facilities were great and Coach (Steve) Casula is a great dude.”
Anderson isn’t in a rush to make a commitment and experiencing several schools opened his eyes to several opportunities.
Notre Dame remains in a strong position and will host Anderson for camp in June.
“Every single visit had something special to it,” said Anderson. “Every school is great and every coaching staff is great. Notre Dame is still up there. Coach Denbrock is just a great dude and we’ve been in touch every week.
“I think Coach Denbrock and the academics are a big part of my recruitment with Notre Dame. I love both of them.”
Offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Marshall, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin
Sophomore Highlights
Looking to join a Fighting Irish community and get the latest scoop? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 51" x 60" We Cheer For Personalized Wall Tapestry
