2026 OL Ben Nichols High on Notre Dame, Set for Busy Summer

Notre Dame's 2026 offensive line board is a small one as the calendar hits mid-May. 

2026 Davison (Mich.) offensive lineman Ben Nichols‍ is one of the few players who holds an offer from Notre Dame and Joe Rudolph has made quite the impression. 

In fact, Rudolph made the trip to Michigan in late April and his presence was immediately felt. 

“He loves me and loves my personality,” Nichols said of Rudolph. “He loves how I work. He came to see me lift, so that was cool.”

Rudolph’s trip was more than just having his presence felt. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder knows he’s a priority for Notre Dame. 

“I think it’s awesome because he obviously doesn’t live close,” stated Nichols. “He’s three hours away from me. Coming up to see me lift is a big deal to me.”

In recent years, Notre Dame has found success on the recruiting trail in baseball and football in the Davison area. Offensive lineman Rocco Spindler is the most notable football prospect the Irish have landed, while RHP David Lally Jr. turned down the MLB to come to South Bend. 

Spindler grew up about 25 minutes from Davison and the two connected earlier this spring when Nichols was on campus. 

“When I came up for spring practice, I said what’s up to him and we talked for a little bit,” explained Nichols. “One of my offensive line coaches wrestled with him in high school, so I teased him about that.” 

Spindler also gave the three-star prospect some advice on the decision-making process as Nichols is being recruited by several of the same schools - and that includes making the hard decision of leaving the state. 

“I talked to him about that,” Nichols said of Spindler turning down Michigan. “He said to stay patient. I’ll know if it’s home and I’ll feel it.” 

In addition to Notre Dame, Nichols made spring visits to Illinois, Michigan State and Penn State. The Irish appear to have a slight lead going into the summer, which is important as Nichols plans to take a trip to the South. 

“I love the coaches and guys there,” Nichols said of Notre Dame. “They have treated me great. Coach Rudolph coming to the school adds on to that. It’s a great feeling having them love me and want me there.” 

With a busy summer, Nichols is unsure if he’ll get back to South Bend, but it’s worth pointing out he camped at Notre Dame last spring, visited for a game and then returned for spring practice in the last 11 months. 

“If I have some free time during camp season, I’ll be back for sure,” said Nichols, who will visit Kentucky and Tennessee while Georgia could also get on his schedule. 

As for a position at the next level, Nichols will likely be an interior lineman and he’s open to playing any spot along the line. 

“I probably see myself at guard in college,” Nichols stated. “That’s up to them when I get there. As long as I’m in college, I don’t really care where I play. I’m just ready to work.”

Offers: Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee and Virginia Tech

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