2026 defensive tackle Gabriel Hill was one of many recruits to land an offer from Notre Dame football on Sunday during Pot of Gold Day. Hill, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound defender out of Naperville (Ill.) North, was listed by Rivals national recruiting analyst @Adam Gorney on his Recruiting Rumor Mill earlier today. Gorney said the Irish could be the early team to beat in Hill's recruitment.
Hill reports other offers from Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State and Kent State. He is not yet rated or ranked by Rivals.
As a sophomore, Hill registered 34 tackles (27 solo) including 14 for loss. He also had six sacks, eight pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
Inside ND Sports had the chance to speak with Hill on Wednesday evening to learn more about him, his play style, what the Irish offer meant to him and more.
On his opportunity to play at Notre Dame:
"Notre Dame was a huge offer to receive ... because of their high performance [as a] program and the reputation it has," Hill said. "Being a high priority is just a special feeling having some of the best former athletes [and] now coaches believe in you ... it's a confidence and a blessing that you really can’t describe."
On what he brings to the field:
"I think I make big plays with my speed that change the game and swing the momentum." I think my ability to get off blocks and control my matchup makes me a danger to the run game. When people watch me play, they see an explosive player that makes big plays. I didn’t play the most snaps in the world but I was able to make them count and people noticed. That was just sophomore year so people can expect me to become one of the most explosive players they’ve seen."
On future plans and relationship with Notre Dame:
"Notre Dame is one of the camps marked this summer. The love they’ve shown to me makes me want to come out there to the summer camp and get better ...see what it's really like to be with [defensive line] coach [Al] Washington in his element."
"Having them taking a swing on a sophomore ... it means a lot to me. It shows they believe in me and I think it would be wrong to not be interested back."
Hill plans to visit Notre Dame on Saturday. Will have a full story out on Thursday.
Link to full story:
InsideNDSports - Why Notre Dame Pot of Gold Day offer meant a lot to 2026 DT Gabriel Hill
New Notre Dame 2026 DT target Gabriel Hill feels good about what the Irish have to offer.
notredame.rivals.com
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