Notre Dame Stays In Touch With 2026 LB Kenneth Goodwin

Things continue moving in a positive direction for Notre Dame and Kenneth Goodwin‍.

The Irish offered the 2026 standout linebacker in March and then he visited South Bend in April.

The two sides have remained in consistent contact since.

“We talk every week,” says Goodwin, who recently moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles in advance of his junior season of high school ball.

Goodwin, who is now at Narbonne High School, enjoys his conversations with Notre Dame linebackers coach Max Bullough.

“Just talking football,” the 6-foot-2, 212-pounder says. “He loves talking about different strategies, different ways Notre Dame can use me.”

The Irish would put Goodwin to good use if they landed him.

“They imagine me playing first and second down as a linebacker off the ball,” he says. “Then on third down, they want to use me as a pass rusher.”

He likes the idea of having that kind of versatility.

Goodwin also has offers from schools like UCLA, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia and Michigan among several others. 

The academics in South Bend certainly have his attention.

“I like that I can have a life after football by just saying I have a Notre Dame degree,” he says. 

He didn’t have the chance to visit many other schools over the spring, but the trip to Notre Dame has him wanting to return and possibly soon.

“I got sent a graphic for the BBQ at the end of this month, so me and my parents are thinking about going up there,” he says. 

As for what he’d like to see the next time he gets to South Bend, “Just the vibe, the atmosphere with the players, how the team interacts.”

He doesn’t have any other visits locked in yet, but is hoping to hit the road soon and would like to check out Oregon, Michigan and Georgia among others.

“Me and my parents are just trying to figure the schedule right now. With summer football going on, it's kind of hard to leave practice.”

Goodwin has repeatedly pointed to one factor above the rest when asked what will be most important to him choosing a college.

“Player development.”

Men's Colosseum Heather Green Notre Dame Fighting Irish Varsity Sleeveless Hoodie Tank Top