College football recruiting moves quickly, and Notre Dame just added another key piece to its 2026 class. Just 25 days after extending an offer, Central Catholic (Ohio) tight end Preston Fryzel has committed to the Fighting Irish following two visits in June.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder left his first visit high on Notre Dame, and after returning for his official visit this past weekend, the decision became clear.
“That was probably one of my favorite visits for sure,” Fryzel told ISD earlier this month. “I got to spend a lot of time with Coach (Mike) Denbrock and got to watch practice. I got to do basically everything I wanted to see at practice.”
What does the Ohio native bring to the offense? Big play ability.
“I'd say I'm more of a receiving tight end,” Fryzel said. “They've kind of got the all around guys. They kind of need that receiving guy to come in who can be a mismatch on the outside, kind of play him as a wide receiver, but I'm still big enough to go in the box and block and be a problem.”
Central Catholic head coach Greg Dempsey believes Notre Dame is getting a perfect match on and off the field in his star player.
“His size and athleticism and ball skills are just top notch for what people look for in an athletic tight end,” Dempsey stated.
“Great kid, outstanding student, outstanding person, leader. He just has all the intangibles then to go with it.”
Fryzel choosing Notre Dame wasn’t a surprise to Dempsey.
“I would think, especially in this part of the country, but also nationally, Notre Dame always has a chance,” said Dempsey. “You're talking about one of the most national brands there is as a school and as a football program.”
Notre Dame will look to close the tight end class with Evan Jacobson, who was on campus with Fryzel, or with Ian Premer, following his official visit last week.
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