The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have secured a significant addition to their 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of four-star running back Brian Bonner Jr. Bonner, a standout from Valencia High School in Santa Clarita, California, is recognized as one of the premier running backs in the nation, boasting a 247Sports Composite rating of 0.9533, ranking him as the No. 7 running back and No. 97 overall prospect in the 2026 class citeturn0search15.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Bonner’s junior season statistics underscore his versatility and athleticism. He amassed 1,493 rushing yards on 197 carries, resulting in 25 touchdowns, and showcased his receiving skills with 40 receptions for 498 yards and four additional scores citeturn0search0. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him scholarship offers from several prestigious programs, including Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State, UCLA, Stanford, and Washington citeturn0search3.
Notre Dame extended an offer to Bonner in mid-February, and he reciprocated the interest by visiting South Bend on March 28. During his visit, Bonner observed spring practice, interacted with the coaching staff, and immersed himself in the campus environment. He expressed enthusiasm about the experience, stating, “It was great. I got to see their spring practice. I got to see all the players practice and then I got to spend time with the coaches and just hang out and have a good time” citeturn0search9.
Bonner was particularly impressed with the structure and efficiency of Notre Dame’s practices, noting, “I really liked the way they practice. I liked how they get through everything they need to and do it quickly and efficiently. The pace of practice, I like how they run practice” citeturn0search9. He also recognized the opportunity for early playing time, considering the potential departure of current running backs to the NFL.
The relationship between Bonner and Notre Dame’s coaching staff, especially running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider, played a pivotal role in his decision. Bonner appreciated the chance to connect with Seider in person, stating, “It was great because I’m farther away. I don’t get to go there often because of the distance, so being able to spend time with Coach Seider and talk to him in person instead of on the phone was great” citeturn0search9.
Head coach Marcus Freeman’s emphasis on holistic development resonated with Bonner. Freeman conveyed that Notre Dame offers more than just football, highlighting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. Bonner remarked, “He was talking about their program and just talking to me about more than just football; telling me that Notre Dame is not just about football. You can get a good education there and there’s a whole bunch more to learn. He’s a very genuine coach. I just really like the way he runs his team and operates” citeturn0search9.
With Bonner’s commitment, Notre Dame continues to strengthen its 2026 recruiting class, which now includes 11 commitments and ranks No. 3 nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings citeturn0search5. Bonner’s addition not only enhances the Fighting Irish’s offensive capabilities but also underscores the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent from across the country.