2026 RB Ike Steward Ready To Check Out Notre Dame

It didn’t take Ike Steward‍ long to accept an invitation to Notre Dame’s home opener against Northern Illinois next week.

“One of their recruiting specialists reached out to me,” the 2026 Michigan running back said of how the visit, which he announced last week came about.

“It's a pretty big school. They're good at football and I just want to go up, see the campus and see how they play.”

The 6-foot, 218-pounder has early offers from Toledo, Central Michigan and Miami-Ohio.

“It feels good,” the Mona Shores High School standout said. “It gives me some motivation to know that going into my junior year I have this year or next year to think about all the schools I can possibly go to.”

He’s looking forward to learning more about the Irish when he gets to South Bend.

“I don't know a lot,” he said. “I know a little here and there, but not a lot.

“I play running back, and of course I want to see how they play and how they coach, campus and the weight room and all that.”

He’s planning on other trips to Western Michigan, Minnesota, Toledo, and Miami-Ohio this fall as well. 

College coaches have told him they like the way he uses his size, speed and power as a runner.

“The strength and the way I get downhill,” he said. 

It’s early, but he has an idea of what he’s looking for when it comes time to choose a school.

“A place where I feel like home and where I could be myself and just play the way I play.”

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