BREAKING | 2026 OL Tyler Merrill Commits To Notre Dame
Since the moment Tyler Merrill received an offer from Notre Dame, it’s been clear the Irish were in a great position to ultimately land the 2026 Pennsylvania offensive lineman.
In fact, it was obvious even before that.
On Thursday night, Merrill made it official, announcing his commitment to the Irish over offers from schools like Penn State, Wisconsin, Clemson and Alabama.
Merrill made the decision sound like a simple one just prior to announcing his decision.
“Love the people,” he said of Notre Dame.
“At the end of the day, the good people you surround yourself with are the ones who will lift you up the most.”
Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph is one of those people Merrill wants to surround himself with.
Rudolph has been a major reason for the 6-foot-6, 325-pounder’s interest in the Irish and their relationship dates back to Rudolph’s time at Virginia Tech.
“He's an awesome guy,” Merrill says of the Irish offensive line coach. “You can relate to him on any level; emotional, just talking about family. You can talk about ball with him. He's an easy guy to talk to. He's approachable.
“He'll be stern with you, but he'll make sure you understand what he's saying. I think he's a great coach. I think nothing but the world of him.”
Rudolph clearly has a high opinion of Merrill as well.
“Coach Rudolph told me that he had the highest level of confidence going into offering me,” Merrill recounted. “He said that I really fit the type of person he wants. He said he remembers writing my name down on his board as the first name that he really wanted to give the opportunity to play there because he feels I could fit in so well with the guys there in that o-line room, which was awesome to hear.
“Coach Freeman emphasized that too…just really fitting into the culture. They're looking for guys like me to really, really kick it in and say, 'Hey, you guys fit this program. We really think you'd be a great fit and make an impact here.'”
Merrill camped at Notre Dame way back in the summer of 2023 and returned for a game later that season. He was back again last spring and again for last summer’s Grill & Chill.
And while he was unable to get to South Bend for a game this past season, he made it clear that was simply a scheduling issue. Merrill made his return this past weekend for the Irish’s Junior Day and that basically sewed up his recruitment.
Merrill repeatedly noted that Notre Dame had checked almost every box for him and he was simply waiting to hear more about how he would be developed in South Bend. Rudolph did just that this past weekend.
“He explained to me a little bit more on how I'd fit,” Merrill said. “It was good…He sees me as a guard obviously, more interior. He thinks I'm just a great fit personality-wise. He says I do all the right things right.”
Merrill gives the Irish seven verbal commitments in the Class of 2026 and three offensive lineman, joining Ben Nichols and Sullivan Garvin, who were also in attendance at Saturday’s Junior Day.
Film Don’t Lie | Tyler Merrill
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