Notre Dame football is zeroing in on two local prospects, Grant Bowen and Jack McNamara, to fill a critical need at tight end for the 2028 recruiting class.
A Local Focus for the Fighting Irish
A versatile athlete from Elmhurst, Illinois, Bowen brings more than just size; he can line up at tight end, linebacker and defensive end, giving the Irish flexibility on both sides of the ball.
Bowen’s ranking reflects his impact: he sits inside the top 60 of the 2028 class and amassed over 700 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Joining him is Jack McNamara, a 6‑5, 235‑pound tight end from Chicago who profiles as a true inline Y. His frame and after‑the‑catch ability have drawn comparisons to former Notre Dame standout Mitchell Evans.
The focus on the 2028 class comes after the Irish missed out on several elite tight ends in the 2027 cycle, making this recruiting window essential for shaping a long‑term offensive identity.
Adding intrigue, Bowen’s father, Matt Bowen, was a star defensive back at Iowa in the late 1990s, a connection that could intensify the competition for his son’s commitment.
If both players sign, Notre Dame could boast one of its most potent tight end duos in recent memory, a development that would ripple through the program’s offensive schemes.
Coach Marcus Freeman and assistant Mike Denbrock have been vocal about the need to anchor the class with home‑grown talent, a strategy that aligns with the university’s broader recruiting philosophy.
The pursuit of Bowen and McNamara also underscores a broader trend of the Irish targeting athletes who can contribute immediately while fitting the cultural fabric of South Bend.
Should the Irish secure both commitments, the duo could redefine the team’s approach to the position and provide a blueprint for future recruiting cycles.