The transition to college life is never easy.
For student-athletes, it’s a leap that comes with even more pressure. That jump becomes even more significant for those who choose to enroll a semester early, giving up the final months of high school for an accelerated start to their collegiate careers.
Notre Dame had 13 players arrive in January and five share a unique advantage - familiar faces in the locker room.
Offensive lineman Matty Augustine, quarterback Blake Hebert, and safety Ethan Long were teammates at the Brunswick School in Connecticut. While running back Nolan James Jr. and receiver Elijah Burress teamed up at DePaul Catholic (N.J.)
Those existing connections have made their adjustment to life in South Bend a bit smoother.
“Awesome,” Hebert said of having Augustine and Long at Notre Dame. “They’re great and supportive guys. The play on the field speaks for itself, but off the field, they’re very supportive. I wouldn’t say we’re going through it, but we’re all adjusting. We have each other's backs. It’s nice to have those prior connections.”
Burress and James have a relationship that goes well beyond the football field, which makes the opportunity in South Bend even more special.
“It’s been great having my best friend here,” stated Burress. “I can talk to him about anything. It’s been amazing.”
How close are Burress and James?
When James received his offer from Notre Dame, while still committed to Boston College, Burress was the only person he told.
“When Notre Dame offered me, he was probably the only person I told,” James explained. “He jumped. He said I had to come. I didn’t necessarily take his word for it right away, but once I did my due diligence, came and visited - we have a special bond. To be here with him is pretty special.”
Augustine might try to take off Long’s head on the practice field as he protects Hebert, but the relationship hasn’t changed since they arrived on campus.
”We were super close friends in high school and to carry that out here and have two supportive brothers right in the system, I can reach out to them about anything that’s going on,” stated Augstine. “We kind of know everything about each other, so you can see when something is going on with one another. It’s great to have two brothers here already.”
Offensive lineman Owen Strebig might not have been teammates with Augustine in high school, but the bond they’ve built has been similar.
The brotherhood isn’t limited to old teammates. Offensive lineman Owen Strebig didn’t play alongside Augustine in high school, but the two formed a strong relationship after both committed to Notre Dame in February 2024, just 12 days apart.
They bonded quickly during visits with fellow lineman and five-star recruit Will Black, who joins the Irish this summer and was the first offensive lineman to commit back in December of 2023.
Fellow early enrollee Cam Herron flipped from Iowa late in the process, but was quickly brought into the brotherhood.
“I think just going on visits together,” said Strebig of the strong relationships. “That’s the best way - just hanging out and talking when we weren’t on visits. Having a strong relationship early on was fun and then we got Cam. We’re a good group. I’m excited for Will to come and it’ll be a fun summer here.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Under Armour White Notre Dame Fighting Irish PLACT Gold Rush Rival Raglan Pullover Hoodie
