Why 2026 OL Chancellor Barclay is Excited to Experience Notre Dame for the First Time

Notre Dame’s offensive line history is well documented and the results speak for themselves at this point. 

2026 First Academy (Fla.) offensive lineman Chancellor Barclay‍ was fresh off two big camps where he earned offers from Clemson and Oklahoma when Notre Dame’s Marty Biagi reached out to the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder’s coaching staff. 

“I got a call from one of my coaches, who is good friends with Coach Biagi, who wanted to get on a quick FaceTime call,” Barclay told ISD. “I FaceTimed him and he wanted me to come up for their top prospect event on July 25th. 

“When I first got into knowing college football, everyone told me if I wanted to go to the NFL, this is where you go for offensive line. I told him I would go, so I set it up with my coaches and I plan to be there with my mom.” 

Barclay is also excited to learn more about the Notre Dame program and the school itself when he visits next weekend. The opportunity to be coached at a high level sticks out, but the faith-based education is also intriguing to Barclay. 

“I know they are a big Catholic school and I’m a Christian myself,” Barclay explained. “I love the Lord and I love learning about Jesus Christ because he died for my sins. I was saved last year, so I’m excited to learn about faith, but also learn about football.

“This is a school not in a conference and they’re still up there. I’m more of an NFL guy, but I still watch college football. Notre Dame is a school that’s probably going to be in that top 12 team playoff bracket, so I’m excited.” 

In addition to the Clemson and Oklahoma offers, Barclay camped at Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina in June and also left with an offer from each school. 

It was a big month for the Florida native, but Barclay knows the work isn’t finished. 

“First of all, all glory to my Lord and Savior,” said Barclay. “Praise to him for everything he’s done and giving me the path of football. When you’re obedient and have discipline for the Lord and keep working hard, the fruits are going to come. Those offers and blessings are going to come. I was blessed to be able this size, so when I see these offers, I was like, ‘Thank you, Jesus.’ 

“I’m lucky to be built with the size to get these offers. I’m excited, but I still have some kinks to work on. I’m not perfect yet. I’ll never be perfect, but I want to get better every day. I’m just excited and blessed by the Lord.”  

The early attention did catch Barclay by surprise. He saw his peers getting offers and figured his would come in time, but the three-week stretch in June put him on the map with other coveted prospects in the South. 

“To be honest, I was surprised at first,” stated Barclay. “I believe it’s a whole process. I didn’t think I was going to get offers until later. You see the Tyler Atkinson’s, Jahkeem Stewart’s and Julian Lewis, the once-in-a-lifetime talent. I knew I would get there with hard work. My time would be like it says in the Bible, ‘When it’s the right time, the Lord will make it happen.’ The Lord made it happen quick and I thanks him for that. 

“I know I would get there someday and I had that faith. I was also surprised it came as early as it did. I’m not going to let it get ahold of me. I have great teammates and a great God who makes me humble and not boastful. If I get into my head, then I’ll lose that work ethic I’ve had since going into my freshman year.” 

On the field, Barclay relies on his ability to stay composed and play with technique, which has impressed college coaches from all over the country. 

This fall, Barclay hopes to continue to show his strengths, while also showing leadership within the team and the offensive line room. 

“I think I’m starting to get into that leadership role,” Barclay said. “I’m trying to be a leader, vocalize and communicate well. I’ve put more effort into things - being able to finish and be able to have that drive, but also to have that technique.

“I believe I have technique and the ability to stay calm under pressure. When it comes big games, you have to have faith and stay calm. If you get riled up, that’s where you mess up. I think that’s something I improved on going into my sophomore year and I feel I’ve gotten way better going into my junior year.” 

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