Notre Dame running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider made a notable move on Saturday by visiting Penn State running back commit \[Insert Player Name], signaling that the Fighting Irish may not be backing down in what could become an intense recruiting battle. The visit underscores Notre Dame’s determination to flip high-level talent and reshape its offensive future under head coach Marcus Freeman.
Seider, a highly respected recruiter with deep ties in the region, has long been known for his ability to connect with top-tier running back prospects. His presence on the road this past weekend is a testament to how serious Notre Dame is about strengthening its backfield for the future — even if it means targeting committed prospects from rival programs.
The player in question, \[Insert Player Name], is a four-star back with speed, vision, and versatility. He committed to Penn State earlier this year, citing strong relationships with the coaching staff and the program’s track record of developing NFL-caliber backs. However, Notre Dame’s late push — especially with a face-to-face visit from Seider — may give the young prospect something to think about.
Notre Dame has been working to bolster its 2025 class, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Adding another dynamic running back would not only bring depth but also align with Freeman’s vision of building a more balanced and explosive attack. Seider’s involvement in this recruitment suggests that Notre Dame sees \[Player Name] as a potential game-changer.
For Penn State, the visit is a reminder that recruiting battles don’t end after a commitment is made. While James Franklin and his staff have done an excellent job securing early commitments, they’ll have to keep building trust and engagement with their pledges as other elite programs continue to circle. Expect Penn State to respond with continued outreach and possible in-home visits to solidify the commitment.
The timing of Seider’s visit is also notable, coming at a point in the offseason when many recruits are taking unofficial visits, attending camps, and reevaluating their options ahead of the fall. Momentum can shift quickly, and a strong relationship with a position coach like Seider could be enough to crack the door open.
As summer recruiting heats up, this storyline will be one to watch. Whether Seider’s efforts lead to a flip or simply make things more complicated for Penn State, his Saturday visit shows Notre Dame is ready to go toe-to-toe with its recruiting rivals — and they’re not afraid to take their shot at elite talent.