2028 DT Kellan Hall Taking Final Look At Notre Dame

Kellan Hall‍ is running out of things to learn about Notre Dame, but the 2028 Kentucky defensive tackle wants to see it one more time before he decides.

Hall will be back in South Bend on Saturday for the Irish's game against Miami, his fifth trip to Notre Dame. He will announce his decision on Jan. 3 at the Under Armour All-America Game from a Top 12 that includes the Irish.

Considered by many to be the nation's top 2028 defensive lineman, Hall has spent the fall crisscrossing the country and knows what this trip will be about for him.

"Mainly, I want to figure out if this is the right place for me," Hall told Irish Sports Daily.

"I've built a great relationship with Coach (Charlie) Partridge and Coach (Nick) Sebastian and Coach (Marcus) Freeman over the last couple weeks."

He expects the game to live up to the hype.

"I think it should be pretty electric," Hall said. "It'll be a really good game and I think they have the possibility to beat Miami. Miami has had two overtime wins the last two weeks and it should be a good one."

His connection with Sebastian dates back to Al Washington's time coaching the Notre Dame defensive line while Partridge has become a regular part of the conversation since taking over.

Notre Dame already has a commitment from 2028 Bolingbrook (Ill.) edge Darieon Prescott‍. The pitch from the staff is about what the defensive front could look like with Hall in it alongside Prescott.

"They've already got a great edge rusher that's already committed, and we can be a great duo and I can really just be a game changer," Hall said.

The rest of Hall’s Top 12 includes Kentucky, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Tennessee, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Texas A&M, Oregon and Texas.

Notre Dame has been considered a strong contender for Hall from the start of the process, but not necessarily the leader.

"I would say the fan base and the education," Hall said of what interests him. "Notre Dame is one of the best schools you can go to from an academic standpoint, and the fan base always shows up regardless of the year."

There has been speculation that home-state Kentucky leads for the Christian Academy of Louisville standout, but Hall declined to name favorites among his list.

"I feel confident in the schools that I'm going to and there's a reason why I'm going to them," Hall said. "Everyone has their own opinions for sure."

Hall has already been to Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M and Michigan this fall, with Tennessee on Nov. 21 and Ohio State on Nov. 28 still to come before his announcement.

By then, the Louisville, Ky., native and his family will have seen everything they need to see.

"The process has been going on since eighth grade and it's been a blessing for sure, but a little hectic at times as well. Me and my family feel like we've had enough experience to make the decision."

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