Four-Star 7-foot center Gan-Erdene Solongo commits to Notre Dame

Gan-Erdene Solongo, a four-star center in the 2026 class, has committed to Notre Dame, he told On3.

The 7-foot rising senior of La Lumiere School (IN) chose Micah Shrewsberry and the Fighting Irish over offers from schools like Ohio State, Illinois, Indiana, Rutgers, Arizona State, and more.

Solongo joins four-star PG Jonathan Sanderson, who pledged to the program on Sunday. See who else Notre Dame has offered in the 2026 class here.

Solongo on his commitment to Notre Dame

Gan-Erdene Solongo went in-depth on his commitment to Notre Dame with On3.

“I chose Notre Dame because I love Coach Shrewsberry’s style of play and how much he focuses on player development. Coach Shrews and the whole staff truly care — they treat players like family and always push to help us grow, on and off the court.”

What led to his trust in Micah Shrewsberry and the staff?

“It’s the way they carry themselves — honest, passionate, and fully invested in their players. You can feel their energy and see how much they care. That made trusting them feel natural.”

In his own words, what type of player is Notre Dame getting in Solongo?

“I’m an athletic, physical big with a soft touch. I rebound hard, set solid screens, and I’m always working to improve — especially with making smart reads and decisions on the perimeter. I’ve only been playing for 3 and half years, but I’m developing fast and learning every day.”

He has a message for Notre Dame fans.

“I’m honored to represent Notre Dame as a Mongolian-Irish player — and to become the second Irish citizen ever to play here, after Ron Rowan. I’m ready to bring passion, power, and pride to the court. Let’s make history together.”

Solongo is the No. 99 overall recruit in the 2026 class, according to On3’s Top-150 Player Rankings. He’s also the No. 15 center and the No. 4 player in Indiana.

Solongo’s Scouting Report

From On3’s Jamie Shaw:

Gan-Erdene Solongo is a big, physical specimen. He grew up playing volleyball and is newer to basketball. He is an upside play, but someone who has a pretty significant ceiling.

Solongo moves well for a player at his size. He has athleticism around the rim with an ability to catch and finish/dunk in traffic. He has legit size and is a naturally big person. He should be able to continue adding good weight which should help with his leverage and balance. Again, he is newer to the game, so he will need time and reps, but there is very intriguing upside there.

Solongo’s legal guardian is new Notre Dame strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson

Gan-Erdene Solongo’s legal guardian is Jon Sanderson, the new Director of Men’s Basketball Strength & Conditioning at Notre Dame. He is the only strength and conditioning coach in NCAA history to both play (Ohio State, 1999) and coach (Michigan, 2013 & 2018) in a Final Four.

“We are fortunate to add Jon to our basketball staff and Sports Performance team. He is regarded as one of the best strength & conditioning coaches in the country, and his addition is a game changer for our program,” Coach Shrewsberry stated. “We strive to be a program that stresses player development, and Jon’s track record of success at multiple schools makes him an ideal fit.”

Notre Dame coming off a top-10 class

The Irish finished with a top-10 recruiting class last cycle, coming in at No. 8 overall. Headling the 2025 class is high four-star SF Jalen Haralson, the No. 20-ranked prospect. Joining him are three more freshman in four-star PF Brady Koehler (No. 78 NATL), four-star SF Ryder Frost (No. 79 NATL), and three-star C Tommy Ahneman (No. 152 NATL). The Irish bring in one lone transfer from Northern Arizona, PF Carson Towt, the nation’s leading rebounder (12.4 per game).

Micah Shrewsberry and Co. are now off to a strong start in 2026.