2026 OL Owen Winder Recaps Notre Dame Return

Owen Winder‍ was one of the few who didn’t let the score of Notre Dame’s game against Northern Illinois put a damper on his trip to South Bend.

“I had a great time, no matter the outcome,” the 2026 Michigan offensive lineman told Irish Sports Daily afterward. 

The 6-foot-7, 290-pounder from Dexter High School currently has offers from Duke and Kentucky along with a host of MAC schools. 

He appreciated the hospitality he received in South Bend.

“I just felt like everybody there was just so welcoming,” Winder said. “The whole recruiting staff, Coach (Joe)  Rudolph, they were all very welcoming. Everybody there was nice, very heartwarming. I just loved it.

“They were just like, 'Keep doing what you're doing.' They want to see my film. They wanted me to just keep grinding. I'm excited. I'm hoping to come back.”

Winder also enjoyed the atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium.

“It was unreal,” he said. “The leprechaun guy was in front of us the entire time, which I thought was really funny. I thought just being right in front of the student section was amazing. It was very loud, very passionate. You could tell the fans were really into it no matter what was going on.”

He’ll be at Miami-Ohio for a visit next week, but that’s the only one he currently has scheduled. He would welcome the chance to take in another game in South Bend or spring practice or camp.

“I'll be fine with whatever,” said Winder. “A game would honestly be the best because I just love the atmosphere there. I'd love to come back and just see Notre Dame Stadium again.”

It’s early, but the Irish certainly have his interest.

“I just feel like academically and athletically, I could get both done. I feel like I could just go there, be myself, and everybody would just welcome me.”

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