2026 DL Simote Katoanga In-Depth on Notre Dame Offer & Camp
2026 J Serra Catholic (Calif.) defensive lineman Simote Katoanga made the trip from the West Coast to Notre Dame for Monday’s camp and it was well worth it.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder had an extremely positive return to South Bend and left campus with an offer to play for the Irish program.
“It actually means a lot,” Katoanga told ISD. “I love the coaches and the atmosphere. The weight Notre Dame holds is a lot. It’s definitely a blessing to receive an offer from Notre Dame.”
Monday’s visit was actually Katoanga’s second trip to Notre Dame within a month as he took an unofficial visit on May 20th.
Returning to Notre Dame for camp was an easy decision for Katoanga because he was determined to show the staff his skill set.
“To me, it was the coaches,” stated Katoanga. “The campus is nice. I just wanted to play in front of the coaches.”
The California native also wanted to spend time with defensive line coach Al Washington.
“I really focused on my technique and I have to make some tweaks here and there,” explained Katoanga. “It was a blessing to be coached by Coach Washington.”
Washington’s coaching style impressed Katoanga, and he’ll have a solid foundation on which to build his game when he returns to the West Coast.
“It’s great,” Katoanga said. “He’s very technical. He’s like a technician when it comes to the game. He talked to me about how every movement has a purpose. He also went over the small details that some coaches would look past.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also impressed Katoanga and his family following camp.
“It was a surreal moment walking into the head coach's office,” explained Katoanga. “I was very excited and fired up. Notre Dame will be one of my top schools.”
Katoanga is also a teammate of 2025 Notre Dame linebacker target Madden Faraimo, who was on campus earlier this month for his official visit.
If Notre Dame landed either, Katoanga believes adapting to life in South Bend wouldn’t be an issue.
“I feel it’s probably an easier transition than coming from a public school,” Katoanga stated. “Madden is my guy.”
Katoanga will wrap up his summer visit schedule in the coming days as he heads to SEC country.
“I’ve got Georgia and South Carolina left,” said Katoanga.
Offers: Arizona State, Cal, Central Michigan, Marshall, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, SDSU, South Florida, UCLA, UNLV, Washington, Washington State and Western Michigan
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