2026 OL Ben Nichols Feels at Home During Notre Dame Official Visit
2026 Notre Dame offensive line commit Ben Nichols has been to campus multiple times this year and it’s odd when he’s not in South Bend for a recruiting weekend.
The 6-foot-5, 335-pounder took his official visit over the weekend and Nichols enjoyed the relaxed environment.
“It was awesome,” Nichols told ISD. “It was really just a big celebration, a big party. There wasn't one time we were all just sitting in the hotel room doing nothing. We were all always out doing something, no matter if it was just chilling in the hotel lobby. We were just always around each other trying to build a bond.”
Nichols certainly didn’t have any reservations about his decision to commit to Notre Dame, but the weekend gave him more confidence that he made the right choice.
“We've already got a bond like no other,” stated Nichols. “I've never felt this comfortable at any other place, so I mean I know I made the right decision.”
One of the weekend goals for Nichols and the current commits was to help land a fifth offensive lineman in the 2026 class. Their attention was focused on La Salle College (Pa.) standout Grayson McKeogh.
“I think he's a great kid,” Nichols said. “He'd fit in great, a real laid back guy. Funny, cool to be around, I think he'd fit in great.”
Nichols, who was on campus a week before his official, got plenty of time around Marcus Freeman and Joe Rudolph. The conversation weren’t too serious and both coaches were focused on learning more about Nichols off the field.
“It was just about how life's going and what I'm staying busy with,” stated Nichols. “We tried to get away from the football a little bit this weekend and just take it all in. So it was more just a personal aspect.”
One of the highlights for Nichols came on Friday night when Freeman hosted the official visitors and their families at his house.
“I've never seen a place like that,” Nichols explained. “So getting to be there, just chilling with all the recruits, convincing their families, just talking to everybody, getting to meet everybody, it was really cool.”
Since his commitment, Nichols has also seen his parents become very close with other parents in the recruiting class, which has been fun for the four-star prospect to watch.
“They're going to be here the same amount of time as me,” said Nichols. “They're going to be coming to the games and all. It's cool to see them building the bond just like we are. They're going to have somebody to be here with and they're not going to feel like it's kind of awkward to come.”
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