Notre Dame football continues its impressive momentum on the recruiting trail, adding another elite prospect to its already loaded 2026 class. On Saturday, Tiki Hola, a towering 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive lineman from Bastrop High School in Bastrop, Texas, publicly committed to the Fighting Irish. A 4-star recruit with national attention, Hola chose Notre Dame over fellow finalists USC and SMU, making the Irish the big winners in a hotly contested battle for one of Texas’s top defensive talents.
Hola’s commitment is not only a major boost to Notre Dame’s 2026 class but also a statement on the program’s growing reach and dominance in national recruiting. Hailing from a state rich in football tradition and talent, Hola had no shortage of suitors. Programs like Texas, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and many more extended offers, making his decision a highly anticipated one among recruiting analysts and fans alike. His choice to head north to South Bend speaks volumes about the culture Marcus Freeman and his staff are building at Notre Dame.
Known for his quick burst off the line, powerful hands, and relentless motor, Hola is the kind of disruptive force in the trenches that can elevate a defense. Standing 6’3” and tipping the scales at 285 pounds, he possesses the size and athleticism to play multiple positions across the defensive front, offering versatility that will be invaluable at the college level. His presence on the line is already drawing comparisons to some of the top interior defensive linemen in recent Notre Dame history.
With this commitment, Notre Dame now holds 15 pledges in its 2026 class, solidifying its place among the top recruiting programs in the country. According to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings, the Irish maintain the No. 2 class nationally, trailing only one other powerhouse as they continue to build a foundation for future championship contention.
Hola is the second recruit from Texas to join Notre Dame’s 2026 class in as many commitments, reinforcing the program’s strategic emphasis on recruiting the Lone Star State. It’s a region long dominated by schools like Texas and Texas A&M, but Notre Dame’s consistent efforts and growing reputation under Coach Freeman are clearly paying off.
As the 2026 cycle progresses, Tiki Hola’s commitment will be seen as a key building block for Notre Dame’s defensive future. He brings not just talent, but also leadership and a fierce competitive edge that fits perfectly with the Irish identity. With top-tier talent like Hola joining the fold, Notre Dame’s future looks brighter than ever—and the rest of college football is taking notice.
The Irish faithful will be keeping a close eye on Hola as he wraps up his high school career and prepares for his eventual arrival in South Bend, where big things surely await this Texas standout.
