BREAKING | 2026 OL Ben Nichols Commits to Notre Dame

By Matt Freeman

December 24, 2024

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Notre Dame landed its sixth commitment in the 2026 recruiting class on Tuesday as Davison (Mich.) offensive lineman Ben Nichols‍ has given his pledge to the Fighting Irish.

Nichols is the second offensive lineman in the class as he joins fellow Michigan native Sullivan Garvin‍.

Nichols has been a frequent visitor to South Bend over the last year, which put Notre Dame in the lead as the staff has made positive impressions led by Marcus Freeman.

“He hammered what they have beyond football,” Nichols told ISD in the summer. “He told me about the different stuff their players and coaches do, what they are working on, new plans for Notre Dame football and some private stuff within the offensive line room.”

The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder also had the chance to meet several players at Notre Dame, including Rocco Spindler, who lives about 30 minutes away and also chose to leave the state.

“I talked to him about that,” Nichols said of Spindler turning down Michigan. “He said to stay patient. I’ll know if it’s home and I’ll feel it.”

Perhaps the biggest impression was made by offensive line coach Joe Rudolph as he made the trip to Nichols’ high school the maximum time a coach can visit an underclassman.

“I think it’s awesome because he obviously doesn’t live close,” stated Nichols. “He’s three hours away from me. Coming up to see me lift is a big deal to me.”

As it relates to a future position, Nichols will make the transition from tackle to guard at the next level.

“I probably see myself at guard in college,” Nichols said. “That’s up to them when I get there. As long as I’m in college, I don’t really care where I play. I’m just ready to work.”

Film Don’t Lie | OL Ben Nichols