2028 Texas LB Reagan Smith Enjoys History, Offer At Notre Dame

When ISD expert Jamie Uyeyama released his Irish Invasion Scouting Notebook on Friday evening, he identified Reagan Smith‍ as the best linebacker he saw all day and predicted a Notre Dame offer would follow.

What nobody knew at the time was that the offer had already been made.

Before the camp even started, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary informed the 2028 Texas standout that he had a Notre Dame offer.

"He pulled me into his office before the camp," Smith told Irish Sports Daily. "We had a good conversation and then he let me know that I had an offer from them. Then we went out to the camp and I got to show my skills.

"It felt really good. Obviously Notre Dame is one of the best schools in the country, so knowing that I had an offer even before I had to show them, before I had to prove it to them in person, I thought that was pretty cool."

Jean-Mary made it clear the offer wasn't contingent on what happened during the workout.

"The point for him was that he wanted me to just be relaxed," Smith explained. "He wanted to see my true self and not have to worry about feeling like I had to prove something. He just wanted me to be me."

That confidence allowed Smith to focus on showcasing the versatility that has made him one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the 2028 class.

Growing up, the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder spent much of his time playing defensive line. These days, he's developing into a true linebacker and believes that combination is what separates him.

"Definitely just my versatility," Smith said. "Growing up, my hand was always in the dirt, but now I'm starting to learn that linebacker role. I've been doing a lot of DB training. Being able to show them that not only can I rush the passer, but I can also drop back into coverage and cover anybody that I need to, whether it's a slot receiver, a tight end or a running back. Even an outside receiver if they really need it."

Smith's performance validated what Notre Dame already thought.

Just as important was the opportunity to spend time with Jean-Mary. The Irish linebackers coach made a strong impression both on and off the field.

"It was really good," Smith said of spending time with Jean-Mary. "I like how he coaches. He's not really a yeller. He's more of a teacher.

“I like his coaching style. He seems to really care. He seems like a really laid-back person, honestly, which is the person I feel like I am. I feel like we can really relate on that level. I feel like he's a really good coach with a lot of wisdom and a lot of knowledge behind his belt."

The trip marked Smith's first visit to South Bend and Notre Dame exceeded expectations.

"Oh man, it's beautiful," he said. "It's one of the most gorgeous campuses that I've been on."

A self-described history buff, Smith found himself drawn to the traditions that make Notre Dame unique.

"Seeing all the history behind it was super cool," he said. "The oldest building still being there, the big church, the Golden Dome is still here. I learned that shavings of it are actually in the helmets, which I thought was really cool.

"The history behind the campus and seeing everything, it was amazing. Knowing the stadium is the original bowl, it just added onto it. It was incredible."

The next step in the relationship will likely be a return trip this Fall.

"They told me they wanted me to come down for a game," Smith said. "I'm super excited to come down for a game because I know the fan base runs deep. Everybody has really good traditions and really strong ties with Notre Dame."

While the Irish have clearly made a major impression, Smith isn't close to narrowing his options.

The Texas prospect recently added an offer from Georgia and also has offers from schools like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Michigan, North Carolina, Duke and Colorado among others. He insists every program will receive the same evaluation moving forward.

"Honestly, I'm still very open. I don't care if you're the smallest school in the country or the biggest school in the country. I'm going to look at everybody the same.

"At the end of the day, you can be the best recruit, but if a fit at a smaller school works better for you, then that fit just works for you."

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