Notre Dame checked several key boxes for Kingston Preyear during his first visit to campus this weekend.
The 2028 Alabama quarterback came away with a strong impression of both the academic opportunities and the long-term vision within the program.
Preyear made his first trip to South Bend and spent time with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli and head coach Marcus Freeman while also getting a look at the program’s overall structure.
The Benjamin Russell High School standout quickly connected with the approach inside the quarterback room.
“I love the QB room,” Preyear said. “Coach G, Coach Denbrock. I love his schemes, his plays.”
That familiarity extended onto the field.
“They’re actually some similar schemes to my high school, just different names,” he said.
Guidugli’s coaching style also stood out.
“He’s very transparent with the players,” Preyear said. “He asks them what they see on the field and corrects them. He doesn’t scream and yell. He’s a fun coach to play for.”
Freeman left a strong impression as well.
“I love Coach Freeman,” Preyear said. “He’s just a true leader. It was a wholesome moment with him, my coach and my dad in the room.”
The visit extended beyond football, particularly when it came to academics and long-term development.
“I love that part because not a lot of schools have the after-football piece,” Preyear said. “It’s bigger than football. They’re building generational wealth for your kids’ kids’ kids.”
That focus aligns with what will matter most in his decision.
“The academic piece,” Preyear said when asked what he’s looking for in a school. “Somewhere academics mean something. Somewhere I don’t have to transfer every year. Somewhere I can call home forever.”
Notre Dame has not yet offered Preyear and plans to continue evaluating quarterbacks through the summer.
That approach doesn’t bother him at all despite the fact that his offer sheet already includes major Power 4 programs like Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Colorado and Arizona among others.
The next step will be a return visit, likely this summer, when he hopes to bring his family to campus.
“Just show my mom what I saw,” Preyear said. “She’s a school counselor, so she’ll love the academics. Just telling her about it, she got the chills.”
Preyear is planning to narrow his list to six schools in June with a decision expected in July as he looks to move quickly and begin helping build his future class.
“Just to get in and recruit the guys around me because the Class of 2028 is loaded.”
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