The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on the hunt for their next great running back, and DeZephen Walker has emerged as a prime target in the 2026 recruiting class. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound standout from Raymore-Peculiar High School in Missouri is one of the most electrifying playmakers in the country, and his recruitment is heating up fast.
With his elite combination of speed, vision, and power, Walker is a game-changing talent—a back who can outrun defenders in open space, make ankle-breaking cuts, and bulldoze through tacklers when needed. His film is already turning heads, and major programs across the nation are lining up to make their pitch.
But amid all the interest, one school is making a strong impression: Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish’s Legacy at Running Back
Notre Dame has a rich history of producing dominant running backs, and Walker is well aware of the legacy he could be stepping into. Kyren Williams, Audric Estime, Jeremiyah Love, and Jadarian Price have all thrived in South Bend, with Williams and Estime now making their mark in the NFL.
The Irish coaching staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman and running backs coach Deland McCullough, is determined to land Walker, believing he could be the next star to carry on the tradition.
“Notre Dame is great, and the coaches seem to be great,” Walker told Irish Breakdown. “Coach McCullough was great during my last visit, and the head coach received Coach of the Year.”
Elite Programs Are in Hot Pursuit
Walker isn’t just a priority for Notre Dame—he’s one of the most sought-after backs in the nation. His offer list reads like a who’s who of college football powerhouses:
Georgia, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Miami, Florida, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Missouri, Wisconsin, and more have all extended offers.
But Walker has a shortlist of schools he’s paying close attention to, and Notre Dame is near the top.
“Nebraska, Notre Dame, Georgia, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Missouri, Miami, Kansas, Florida, Kansas State, Ole Miss,” Walker shared, revealing the programs making the biggest push for his commitment.
A Return to South Bend? Walker’s Next Moves
Recruiting battles are won through relationships, and Notre Dame has done an exceptional job building a connection with Walker and his family. While his visit schedule isn’t finalized, Walker has one school in mind for an official trip.
“I would like to go back to Notre Dame but on an official visit,” he said.
This is a major development. With so many powerhouse programs chasing him, the fact that Walker is eager to return to South Bend signals just how much Notre Dame has stood out in his recruitment.
Why Notre Dame? The Pitch That’s Resonating
Notre Dame’s recruiting message to Walker is crystal clear:
Come to South Bend. Develop under one of the nation’s top running back coaches. Compete for championships. Build your legacy.
Walker himself summed up what matters most in his decision: “Culture, coaching, development, and winning.”
Notre Dame checks all four boxes.
- Culture – A program built on discipline, tradition, and a championship mindset.
- Coaching – A proven coaching staff that has developed elite backs for the next level.
- Development – A system that allows running backs to shine as both runners and receivers.
- Winning – A team consistently in the national title conversation.
As his decision approaches—likely before or during his senior season—Notre Dame is in a prime position to land one of the best backs in the 2026 class.
Will Walker Be the Next Star in South Bend?
There’s still a long way to go in Walker’s recruitment, but Notre Dame has done everything right so far. The Irish have made him a priority, sold him on their winning tradition, and given him a vision for his future in South Bend.
Now, the waiting game begins.
Will Walker choose Notre Dame and join the long line of elite running backs to wear the blue and gold?
Or will one of the other powerhouse programs swoop in and steal the prized recruit?
One thing is for sure: wherever Walker lands, he’s going to be a game-changer.
