2026 LB Simeon Caldwell Once Again Impressed with Notre Dame

2026 Bolles School (Fla.) linebacker Simeon Caldwell‍ visited Notre Dame for the second time this offseason last week and it didn’t disappoint. 

That might be telling, as Caldwell’s first visit set a high bar as he took in the jersey scrimmage in the spring. 

“It was a great experience,” Caldwell told ISD. “It was a very cool place. The weather was actually beautiful. It was good to be up there and be around everyone.” 

The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder knew this visit would be a bit different than past recruiting trips. Notre Dame’s staff wasn’t focused on football. In fact, the conversations focused on everything but football, and that was more than with Caldwell. 

“They said there wasn’t going to be anything to do with football on the visit,” stated Caldwell. “It was all about fun, getting to know each other and building bonds. It was a great opportunity to learn more about them as people and not just as coaches. I got to build a good relationship with them off the field. 

“If I end up going there, I’ll spend a lot of time with them, so I have to feel comfortable with them both on and off the field. I got to know them really well. Getting to spend time with Coach (Marcus) Freeman and Coach (Max) Bullough was great.” 

Bullough made a positive first impression on Caldwell in the spring and on Thursday, the two once again hit it off. 

“Coach Bullough is an energetic guy,” explained Caldwell. “I saw that when I was up there for their jersey scrimmage. He was putting on pads during drills and taking hits from players. He’s just a high-energy person. Seeing him off the field, he’s like that as well.” 

Caldwell also was able to get around Notre Dame’s commits and other top targets during the visit. 2025 Notre Dame running back commit Justin Thurman‍ has been a regular in South Bend over the last year and the two Florida standouts hit it off. 

“It was great to be around all of them,” Caldwell said. “I was around Justin Thurman a lot. I used to live in Tampa, and he’s from there. Before I moved to Jacksonville, I was going to go to the high school he’s at now. We talked about that a little bit and bonded over that. It was great talking about the school and why he chose Notre Dame, which gave me more insight.” 

The Bolles School star also noticed he fit in well with Notre Dame’s recruits on campus as they had the same goals on and off the field. 

“Notre Dame is not a place for everyone,” Caldwell explained. “It’s not an easy place. You’re going to get top-level football and top-level academics. There are some people who want to go to college just to play football and could care less about an education. I have two sisters who went to Ivy League schools, so academics are important. 

“Anyone who chooses Notre Dame knows the importance of the degree. It’s not a four-year decision. The motto is four for forever. There are just very like-minded people up there and I definitely feel I fit in.” 

Caldwell is another recruit who enjoyed Notre Dame’s backyard games as he won an event and enjoyed the friendly competition throughout the day.

“For the three-point shooting contest, I was paired up with Thomas Davis Jr.‍,” stated Caldwell. “We actually won it for our group. We started sweating and it got super competitive. It was super close at the end, so we were running and sprinting for rebounds. That’s to be expected. We’re all top athletes, so it’s expected whenever there is a winner and loser. You always want to be the winner.

“At the end of the day, it was fun and there weren't hard feelings. It’s just a game. When it comes to football, then you can get mad, but everyone was cool and chill after. It was a great time.” 

As for what’s next, Caldwell will turn his attention to his junior season and then map out a plan for fall visits, which will likely include a return to Notre Dame. 

“Making a game is one of my priorities and one of the first schools I’m planning to visit for a game,” said Caldwell. “I don’t have a top group right now, but Notre Dame is very high in my eyes. It’s a great school and I love the environment up there.” 

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