Coach | Notre Dame, Others Chasing A "Talented" Target In 2025 TE Andrew Olesh

Phil Sams isn’t surprised that so many college programs like Notre Dame, Oregon and Penn State continue to chase Andrew Olesh‍ despite the 2025 Pennsylvania tight end’s months-long commitment to Michigan.

“He's talented,” says Sams, Olesh’s head coach at Southern Lehigh High School. “That's why all of those guys succeed at such a high level. 

“He's 6-5 220-ish right now, I don't know his exact weight. He runs 4.5, 4.6 40, huge catch radius. He catches everything in his sight. He's talented.”

Sams and his staff at Southern Lehigh have certainly taken advantage of Olesh’s gifts and expects whatever college program he ends up at to do the same.

“We flex him out a lot,” says Sams. “He plays tight end and blocks for us as a true tight end in a three-point stance. Then we flex them out. We don't throw the ball to him a whole lot as a true tight end. 

“We flex him out a lot more, but in today's college offenses, they flex out those guys all the time. Even if they're in tight, a lot of time they're in a two-point stance or start off in the backfield and do all kinds of crazy stuff with them. We're getting a little more crazy with him here too.”

Even with consistent double-teams and attention from opponents this season, Olesh has continued to make an impact.

“Last year's stats at this point in time were maybe a little bit better, but not crazy,” says Sams. “More touchdown catches, but still a lot of catches at this point in time of year. 

“Every day when you've got a target on your back like you do when you're going to Michigan, Notre Dame or wherever he is going to end up going, people know.”

Off the field, Sams calls Olesh “a good kid.”

“Good grades,” the coach says. “I’ve never heard the kid get into trouble. He communicates as far as he's polite. He's never been arrogant about asking for the ball or anything like that.”

Olesh remains committed to the Wolverines, but visited Oregon earlier this fall and was at Penn State on Saturday. Next week, he heads to Notre Dame for the Irish’s game against Florida State.

“I know he is committed to Michigan because he obviously committed before the season, but he is obviously visiting Notre Dame,” says Sams. “I guess in my eyes, he's still looking at options. I don't know how serious they are. 

“That's pretty much between him and his decision.”

Notre Dame Fighting Irish x Guinness Here Come the Irish Stadium Fleece Crewneck