“Kaden Gebhardt had no hard feelings after leaving Notre Dame’s Irish Invasion last summer without an offer.
“Honestly, I don’t think I performed my best at that camp,” the 2026 Ohio defender admitted. “It was actually my first camp ever. I don’t think I earned it, to be honest. I could have done a lot better, and it just pushed me to work even harder afterward.”
That motivation paid off, as the Olentangy High School standout later secured offers from programs like Ohio State and Penn State following stronger camp performances.
However, Notre Dame didn’t overlook the 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete. Last week, linebackers coach Max Bullough increased communication, and on Monday, the Irish officially extended an offer.
“It’s just a great feeling,” Gebhardt said of the opportunity. “Notre Dame has such a historically great defense. I was offered as a linebacker, and watching their linebackers play is fun. Seeing guys like (Drayk) Bowen and (Jack) Kiser this year was exciting, and having a chance to play in that defense under Chris Ash as DC is a great opportunity.”
Gebhardt’s offer list includes schools like Clemson, Wisconsin, Colorado, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Duke, Stanford, USC, and UCLA, among others. Interestingly, Notre Dame is the only school recruiting him as a linebacker, while all other programs see him as a safety.
He, however, remains open to either position.
“To be honest, I’ll play wherever a school wants me,” he said. “With my physicality, I think I can fit anywhere in the defense, whether at linebacker or safety.”
Notre Dame was impressed by his game film.
“I don’t think my film lies to coaches,” Gebhardt said. “Anyone watching can see I play fast and physical.”
He plans to visit South Bend again soon, likely in March, to meet head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Chris Ash while strengthening relationships with the staff.
“The communication really just picked up this week since I hadn’t spoken with them much since camp,” he added.
Bullough has already made a strong impression.
“I like him a lot,” Gebhardt said. “He’s a good dude, and I can’t wait to build this relationship with him.”
In addition to Notre Dame, he has visits lined up with Ohio State, Clemson, and Penn State, and he may add Tennessee to the list.
As for his commitment timeline? Gebhardt remains undecided.
“I have no clue yet,” he admitted. “It’ll come down to whichever school makes me feel at home. When I know, I’ll pull the trigger.””
