Nate Brenneman used last weekend’s visit to Notre Dame to gather key information as his recruitment begins to take shape with a summer decision in mind.
The 2027 Iowa offensive tackle made his way to South Bend last Friday, getting his first extended look at the program.
“It was great,” Brenneman told Irish Sports Daily. “We got there Friday night and then in the morning we met with the coaches and staff and they did a presentation explaining what the program is about.”
Brenneman holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Boston College, Duke, Maryland, Michigan State and Minnesota among others. Notre Dame has not yet extended an offer, but communication has picked up recently following initial contact.
The Rock Valley High School standout spent time touring the facilities, sitting in on meetings and watching practice, giving him a solid view of how the program operates.
“They definitely focus a lot on the academic part,” Brenneman said. “They’re a top school in the nation academically and they really show how you can set up your future with the education you get there.”
The 6-foot-7, 250-pounder also came away impressed with the overall direction of the program.
“They’ve been very consistent over a long time and they’re looking to win a national championship,” Brenneman said.
Practice provided more important insight.
“Practice was really great,” Brenneman said. “It was good to see how they run everything day-to-day.”
He also spent time with offensive line coach Joe Rudolph and assistant offensive line coach Rob Delaney.
“We talked about what they see in me and what I can get better at,” Brenneman said. “Just kind of how they run their scheme and how they could see my career going.”
The campus in South Bend left a strong impression as well.
“It was very beautiful,” Brenneman said. “The architecture, the layout, everything about it was really nice.”
The visit came together quickly following recent communication with Rudolph.
“It kind of just happened randomly,” Brenneman said. “We got on a couple calls and he invited me out and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity. I mean, it’s Notre Dame.”
Now, the next step in the process is already coming into focus.
“They talked about me coming back this summer for a camp and another visit,” said Brenneman, who added that’s something he intends to do.
Brenneman has already visited Iowa State this spring and is set to see Iowa next, with another return trip to Iowa State also planned. Those three programs currently make up the core of his recruitment.
“I’m planning to make a decision during the summer, either in June or July.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Under Armour Golf Leprechaun Fleece Hoodie
