In a major twist in the recruiting world, Notre Dame football has successfully secured the commitment of elite 2026 4-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, who recently backed off his pledge to Florida State. Smigiel, a standout from Newbury Park High School in California, had initially committed to the Seminoles, but after careful consideration, he has decided to commit to the Fighting Irish.
The 6’4″, 200-pound quarterback is regarded as one of the top talents in the 2026 recruiting class and is known for his impressive arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. Smigiel’s decision to change his commitment has sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape, especially with Florida State fans still processing the loss of a player they had hoped to build their future offense around.
“I believe Notre Dame is the best place for me to continue my development as a quarterback,” Smigiel said in a statement. “The tradition, coaching staff, and the chance to play in a competitive environment really appealed to me. I’m excited to be part of the Fighting Irish and can’t wait to get to work.”
Smigiel’s change of heart comes after much deliberation and visits to multiple schools, with Notre Dame ultimately winning him over with their storied program, strong coaching staff, and development opportunities for quarterbacks. His skill set has made him one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the class, and his commitment to Notre Dame is expected to be a game-changer for the future of the program.
For head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish, landing Smigiel is a significant victory, as they continue to build a strong recruiting class for the years ahead. The program has struggled to find long-term stability at the quarterback position in recent years, and Smigiel’s commitment is a step toward solidifying that future.
Florida State, meanwhile, will now look to regroup after losing out on one of their most important recruits. Smigiel’s decision is certainly a blow to their recruiting efforts, but the Seminoles will continue to search for a top-tier quarterback to fill the void.
With Smigiel now officially part of the Notre Dame class, the Fighting Irish have added a potential future star under center. His ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move gives the team a dynamic quarterback who can lead them in the coming years.
