2026 OL Commit Tyler Merrill Talks Notre Dame Official & More
Now that he’s a commit Tyler Merrill’s visits to Notre Dame are a little different.
The 2026 Pennsylvania offensive lineman, who announced his commitment to the Irish back in January, returned to South Bend earlier this month for his official visit.
“It was good,” Merrill told Irish Sports Daily. “I had a good time.
“I spent a lot of time just hanging out with the staff and the players. I got to see most of the field and facilities and whatnot on all my other visits. I think it was more just spending time with the commits and eating food and just talking, having a good time. It was a lot of fun.”
The Cumberland Valley High School standout is a big fan of the culture and people within the program and at his position. At offensive line, he traces that back to offensive line coach Joe Rudolph.
“It's really cool how Coach Rudolph kind of makes a circle of people who are all pretty similar and have the same values,” he said. “I think it's cool. I think everyone who's going there is pretty likable and aligned with my values, so I think that's pretty cool.”
And it’s the same across the roster, which is a testament to what head coach Marcus Freeman has built.
“It's easier to talk to people like that; background or position or anything else like that doesn't really affect the way that you talk to someone,” said Merrill. “I can talk to some defensive line guys and Joey O'Brien and Chaz (Smith) and all those guys.
“Those guys are just great people aside from what position or where they're from or whatnot. I think that's what all brings us together, which is pretty cool.”
Merrill was fired up to see the offensive line haul grow from four to six in a week with the additions of Charlie Thom and Grayson McKeogh.
“It's pretty cool,” said Merrill. “I'm super excited to meet Charlie obviously, and continue to build this thing from the ground up and have a great season my senior year and be ready to work with those guys in the summer.
“(McKeogh) was recognizable, but I hadn't really formally met him until my official visit. But yeah, he's a great kid.”
Merrill was also excited about the addition of safety Joey O’Brien, a fellow Pennsylvania prospect.
“I've known Joey for a little bit now,” he said. “He was bouncing around everywhere and he's obviously a very sought-after guy, but I think the people at Notre Dame really convinced him to do what's best for him. He told me himself that in 10 years he might've regretted going anywhere else and not to a place that provides as many opportunities at Notre Dame, and I totally stand by that.
Merriill, who is now turning his focus to his final season of high school football, is “proud” to be a part of the Irish’s 2026 recruiting class.
“It's pretty cool to be a part of something that's bigger than myself. It's super cool seeing guys commit and looking forward to new friendships and new people.”
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