Justin Fisher Plans to Soak In Senior Day After Staying Home for Notre Dame
Notre Dame recruits from every corner of the country — including just 6.3 miles down the road in Mishawaka, Ind.
Justin Fisher starred at Mishawaka High as a quarterback and ultimately chose to stay home, picking the short drive to Notre Dame over opportunities from a pair of MAC programs.
And the decision delivered exactly what he hoped it would.
“It’s been awesome,” stated Fisher. “Super thankful to have been so close to home during my time here. I get to share all these moments with family and friends given that the distance is so close. It's been awesome to be right back in my own backyard the entire time.”
The 6-foot-3, 233-pounder was part of Marcus Freeman’s first recruiting class. Fisher, who grew up going to Notre Dame games, has had a front row seat to the entire Freeman era.
Fisher isn’t going to proclaim the 2022 recruiting class as the one that flipped the program, as Notre Dame was in a New Year’s Six game a few months before he enrolled.
But he believes the class helped push the program forward.
“I think each and every year there's a layer that goes to that,” Fisher said. “Each and every year, this program continues to improve under Coach Freeman. I'm excited to see where this thing goes.”
While he might have played quarterback in high school, Fisher has also played running back, tight end and H-back, and has a role on special teams.
This year started slowly for Fisher as he dealt with a knee injury, but he worked his way back to contribute in 2025.
“Coach Freeman always preaches the message that the future is uncertain,” explained Fisher. “All you can do is take what happens to you and make the best of your situation. I feel like I've come back and tried to give my team everything that I've got and help this team win on Saturdays.”
Looking back, Fisher has no regrets despite proving he could have likely played more at another school.
“If I could do it any other way and do it all over again, I'd be right back here,” smiled Fisher. “It's just been super special to be playing for the team that I grew up rooting for, to get to put that gold helmet on and have all the great experiences I’ve had.”
Fisher does have another year of eligibility, but at this point, the Mishawaka native doesn’t know Notre Dame’s plans or even if he’ll use the fifth year.
Saturday could be the last time Fisher gets to play in Notre Dame Stadium, and he plans on soaking in the moment.
“It'll be super special,” said Fisher. “I mean, a lot of times you get so caught up in the game and it being Saturday, and you don't get to take a minute to step back and reflect. But Saturday, I hope there's a time running out where I can step back and reflect.
“I'm super excited to get to run out one last time to meet my family at midfield. It should be super exciting.”
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