Four-star OL Ben Nichols gives Notre Dame a Christmas Eve commitment

Davison (Mich.) High On300 offensive lineman Ben Nichols announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Christmas Eve.

The four-star Nichols chose to play for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Irish over his other top schools in Alabama, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee, Penn State, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Iowa.

“Historically they’re the best offensive line program anyone can go with,” Nichols told On3. “They have great historical success.

“I love the coaches. Coach Freeman, Coach (Joe) Rudolph, all those guys are really cool. Great academic school as well.

“Those are the top factors that stuck out to me.”

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Nichols becomes commit No. 6 for Freeman and Notre Dame in the 2026 cycle, joining fellow four-stars in quarterback Noah Grubbs, linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. and cornerback Chaston Smith.

Nichols also becomes the second offensive lineman in the haul next to fellow Michigan product in Sullivan Garvin.

“The fanbase at Notre Dame is amazing,” Nichols said. “I’ve seen it in person a few times. The history behind them the whole Rudy thing. The academics, the winning as a program. Everything about them. There is nothing not to like about Notre Dame.

The On3 Industry rankings tab Nichols as the nation’s No. 16 interior offensive lineman and No. 209 prospect overall. The Irish offered him back in March.

“It means a ton to me,” Nichols said of his commitment. “To put myself in a position where I can go to a school like Notre Dame I think is incredible. Not only to play football with a lot of great dudes but get a great academic component and being under great coaches as well.”