2025 4-star TE Nate Roberts commits to Notre Dame: 'I know where I need to be'

Washington (Okla.) four-star 2025 tight end Nate Roberts is still early in his recruitment, but three teams made a strong impression: Ohio State, Clemson and Notre Dame.

He has gone back and forth over who was at the top, with each of the three showing heavy interest in one of the nation’s top tight ends. But after visiting those schools each this spring, as well as a number of other programs, he knew which one was the right fit for him.

“Things went back and forth a few times, and all three have shown a lot of interest, but this last Notre Dame visit put the cherry on top,” he told On3. “I know where I need to be, and that is Notre Dame. From the first visit, I knew Notre Dame was the place for me. I had that feeling and there was no reason for me to wait any longer. It is early, but I am ready to commit to Notre Dame and get to work with Coach Parker.”

Tight end success and tradition at Notre Dame were integral

One of the biggest selling points for the Fighting Irish was not only the culture and tradition of a historic program, but Notre Dame’s success with tight ends as well.

“The tradition and the culture that they have at Notre Dame are things I like a lot,” he added. “The staff is amazing and the academics are top-notch. They also have had success at tight end and that meant a lot to me. I always wanted to go somewhere that uses the heck out of the tight end position and the starting tight end for Notre Dame these past 12 years has been drafted, so no other school can say that.”

Gerad Parker was a big part in Nate Roberts choosing the Fighting Irish

The connections he had with Gerad Parker, who is both the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, as well as Marcus Freeman were second-to-none.

“Coach Freeman and Coach Parker have shown great interest in me,” Roberts said. “They have shown a lot of love. Coach Parker has gone over offensive periods with me, he has shown how I can fit into his offense, so there is a lot to like there. Coach Freeman has been great with me too. He has shown me ways I can fit into their culture and how they can make me a better football player and a better person.

… Everyone knows about Notre Dame. They have a winning culture and they have done a lot in the past. I feel Notre Dame has the brightest future out of all of the schools on my list.”