While the vast majority of its attention was centered on the Class of 2026 last Wednesday - for good reason since it was National Signing Day - but Notre Dame also had one eye on the slightly more distant future.
The Irish took some time away from celebrating its 2026 signees to send an offer to 2028 Maryland cornerback Kinnard Mahomes.
The Mount Saint Joseph star hopped on the phone with Irish defensive backs coach Mike Mickens.
“He basically just praised me for working hard and he also just let me know to continue to strive and keep working,” the 6-foot, 165-pounder told Irish Sports Daily.
The sophomore also has early offers from schools like Syracuse, Boston College, Cincinnati, Toledo and Akron among others.
Still, the offer from the Irish made a big impact.
“It meant a lot,” said Mahomes. “It was really special. I felt very happy when I got it, definitely. I really love it.”
He was also honored that the Irish were thinking about him as a 2028 prospect on National Signing Day for the Class of 2026.
“It definitely feels really special,” he said. “It was definitely an excellent process.”
Mahomes visited South Bend for the Navy game last month. He enjoyed himself and said he wanted to return, but said he has no plans to do so yet.
“I think we'll try to set up a time,” he added. “I would probably like to see their campus more, learn about the school just a little bit more and about their schemes.”
He doesn’t have any other visits planned yet either.
Mickens has made a good early impression.
“I really like Coach Mickens,” Mahomes said. “Coach Mickens is a good guy.”
Mahomes also has a connection to the Irish through 2026 cornerback signee Khary Adams. The two work out with Montre Gregory, who is actually Mahomes’ position coach at Mount Saint Joseph.
“I feel like that's definitely a good move for him,” Mahomes said of Adams. “I like the Notre Dame commitment for him. It's great.”
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