Elite 2026 CB Khary Adams Breaks Down Notre Dame Commitment

For Khary Adams‍ , Notre Dame was always “up there,” but it took a bit for the Irish to rise up the list clearly above the rest. 

By the end of last weekend’s official visit, they had done just that, which is what led to the 2026 Maryland cornerback announcing his commitment to the Irish over schools like Penn State, Oregon, Michigan and South Carolina.

“It was always Notre Dame in the back of my mind,” Adams told Irish Sports Daily. “I loved Penn State, but it was just a feeling I got. I would just say it's special.”

That official visit event last week in South Bend helped Adams realize the people at Notre Dame are special.

“Being up there with the commits who are going to be in my class, it just showed me that they are all like-minded and trying to get the win,” he said. “It was just great. It's a special place for real.”

Adams also appreciated the fact that the Irish were after him since offering him a scholarship almost one year ago to the day.

“I came to the camp, they offered me and they've been recruiting me hard ever since,” he said. “I always knew it was a good school with a good tradition, so I knew I needed to check it out.”

Notre Dame defensive backs coach Mike Mickens and his track record of developing players played a major role in Adams’ ultimate decision.

“He's coached guys who look like me, 6-2,” Adams explained. “He took guys who look like me coming from high school and he put them in The League. 

“So it's like, 'Why not go there and get developed?'”

Head coach Marcus Freeman and the culture in South Bend also played a crucial part.

“He's a great guy,” Adams said of Freeman. “I really believe in what he's building up there.”

Adams is thrilled to have the recruiting process behind him,

“It feels great, man,” he said.

He’s excited to be a part of the Irish’s 2026 recruiting class and said it’s “not done yet.”

Adams is convinced the class will help put Notre Dame back on top.

“We're going to win a chip. Believe that.” 

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