Jack McNamara isn't rushing toward a decision, but the next few months could provide plenty of clarity.
The 2028 Illinois tight end is planning fall game-day visits, including one to Notre Dame, before narrowing his list later this year.
McNamara has remained a priority for the Irish since earning an offer last September and continues to stay in regular contact with assistant tight ends coach Harris Bivin.
"I asked him for some pointers that I should be working on for my upcoming season," McNamara told Irish Sports Daily. "He talked a lot about just making my strengths better."
The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder attended Irish games as a child before returning as a recruit for the first time last year.
He’s since made three trips to South Bend, including one for a game last September when he picked up his Notre Dame offer. He was back again for Junior Day in March and returned in June for Irish Invasion and Grill & Chill.
McNamara hopes to add another visit this fall, though he and his family are still working through their plans.
"I want to try to get back for a game day," he said. "I just haven't gone over it with my parents."
After getting an up-close look at Notre Dame's practice environment and spending time with the coaching staff during previous visits, McNamara is eager to keep things moving with his next trip.
"Definitely just keep on building the relationship," he said. "I want to see how the team does this year."
The Brother Rice High School standout is teammates with 2027 Notre Dame defensive tackle commit Brayden Parks, who announced his commitment to the Irish earlier this month.
"I think it's a great fit," McNamara said. "He's always loved Notre Dame and I think he's going to have a great time there."
According to McNamara, Parks' decision ultimately came down to one simple factor.
"He said overall it was just the best fit for him and his family and all the people that influenced his decision," McNamara said. "Just the best fit for him."
McNamara isn't close to making a decision himself, but does have a general timeline in mind.
"Final decision, I want to get it done before my senior year for sure," he said. "That's definitely going to be before my senior year."
Before then, he'd like to trim his list.
"Narrowing it down probably sometime soon," McNamara said. "Maybe during the season or after the season."
In addition to Notre Dame, McNamara also hopes to visit Michigan, Vanderbilt and Northwestern before taking the next step.
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