Michigan State’s early bid for 2026 rising OT Charlie Thom came up short as the 6-foot-6, 275-pound prospect from Avon Old Farms (Conn.) announced his commitment to Notre Dame on June 24, 2025. Here’s an in-depth look at this development and why it matters in the recruiting landscape:
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🥇 Who Is Charlie Thom?
Background & Size: Thom transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle during a post-grad season at Avon Old Farms. At 6’6″, 275 lbs with an impressive wingspan, he’s drawn strong comparisons to former Irish standout Joe Alt .
Athletic Profile: A former tight end, Thom clocks in at a 5.06 40-yard dash, a 9‑foot‑3 broad jump, and solid shuttle times—testimony to his rare combination of size and athleticism .
Recruiting Rise: After starting May with basic offers from Army, Air Force, Monmouth, and Sacred Heart, Thom quickly picked up interest from Power-4 schools—including Michigan State, Penn State, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia Tech—before ultimately choosing Notre Dame .
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🚀 Recruitment Timeline
May–June Surge: Rapid interest from Power Four programs followed his positional transition and strong camp performances .
Official Visits: Thom visited Boston College, Penn State, and Notre Dame officially, ultimately tipping the scale after a standout weekend on campus in South Bend .
Final Decision: Coming from a family connection—his mother is a Notre Dame alum—Thom called the commitment “a dream come true,” citing the instinctual bond with the program .
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🎓 Why Notre Dame Won Out
Elite OL Track Record: Notre Dame’s Joe Rudolph has a history of converting athletes—tight ends and quarterbacks—into NFL-quality linemen (e.g., David Edwards, Joe Alt), a path that appealed strongly to Thom .
Academic & Cultural Fit: Thom praised Notre Dame for its blend of top-tier academics and championship-level football, emphasizing how important both were to him and his family .
Family Legacy: With deep roots at the university, Thom said he “loved it forever,” citing early childhood visits to Notre Dame games and strong connections with the coaching staff and players .
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đź“Ś What This Means for Michigan State
Michigan State had extended an offer to Thom during his recruitment surge , clearly seeing him as a potential cornerstone in their offensive line rebuild. While missing out stings, it doesn’t dampen MSU’s momentum in the 2026 class. The Spartans are still actively building, eyeing other rising talent, and will continue to battle Power-4 rivals for top-tier linemen.
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🔍 Final Thoughts
Charlie Thom’s commitment to Notre Dame marks a high-profile win for the Irish—locking down a rare combination of size, athleticism, and