Four-star OT Grayson McKeogh commits to Notre Dame football over Penn State

The Notre Dame football program beat out Penn State for another Pennsylvania offensive lineman yet again.

On Wednesday, Wyndmoor (Pa.) La Salle College offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh announced his verbal commitment to the Fighting Irish. The four-star recruit decided to move up his July 1 decision date by nearly two weeks, committing after his official visit to South Bend last weekend. The 6-foot-7, 280-pound McKeogh ranks as the No. 8 player in Pennsylvania and the No. 21 offensive tackle nationally, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Penn State, a finalist, hosted McKeogh for an official visit the weekend of June 6. That marked his fourth trip to Happy Valley, two more than he made to Notre Dame. Yet, the nation’s No. 278 overall player found South Bend to be the best fit.

“You are who you surround yourself with,” McKeogh told Blue & Gold before publicizing his decision. “I feel that Notre Dame was the best fit.”

Initially slated to visit Texas this weekend, McKeogh canceled that trip following his commitment. He had previously received scholarship offers from 22 other Power Four programs, including Alabama, Florida, Ohio State, Tennessee and Wisconsin. McKeogh is viewed more favorably in On3’s rankings, slotting as the No. 181 overall player, No. 16 offensive tackle nationally and No. 5 player in Pennsylvania in the class.

McKeogh becomes the second Keystone State product to join Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class. Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Cumberland Valley four-star offensive lineman Tyler Merrill was the first, committing to the Irish on Jan. 30. The 6-5, 330-pound Merrill, ranked as Pennsylvania’s No. 3 player, is also the No. 128 overall prospect and No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the class.

Notre Dame may not be done recruiting in Pennsylvania in the 2026 cycle, either. McKeogh’s teammate, four-star safety Joey O’Brien, also officially visited South Bend last weekend. O’Brien, a top-40 national recruit, is set to announce his decision Friday. Both McKeogh and O’Brien had Merrill’s attention during their visit.

“I try to get on those guys and let them know, ‘Hey, we want you here. This is a spot that is not like anywhere else,’” Merrill told Blue & Gold on Sunday. “I make sure they hear it from me because I’m a PA guy. But all the other guys, they reach out to them, too.”

In the Marcus Freeman era, Notre Dame has successfully tapped into Pennsylvania’s talent pool, signing two recruits from the state before McKeogh. Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep four-star linebacker Anthony Sacca committed in the 2025 cycle, while Malvern (Pa.) Prep four-star offensive lineman Peter Jones joined in 2024. Both were top-10 prospects in Pennsylvania and Penn State legacies.

Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph played a pivotal role in securing Jones, Merrill, and McKeogh. A product of Belle Vernon, Pa., Rudolph’s Pennsylvania roots have strengthened Notre Dame’s recruiting in the region.

McKeogh becomes the fifth offensive lineman in the Irish’s 2026 class, joining Merrill, Gregory Patrick, Ben Nichols and Sullivan Garvin. The trio of four-star linemen from Michigan rank as the Nos. 9, 17, and 31 interior offensive linemen nationally, respectively.

McKeogh’s unique path to Notre Dame leads to Joe Alt comparison

McKeogh’s recruitment timeline differs significantly from Notre Dame’s other offensive line commits.

Before his junior year, McKeogh held offers only from Duke and Syracuse. His remarkable physical transformation—gaining 100 pounds since his sophomore year—combined with a standout junior season that earned first-team all-state honors, rapidly elevated his profile. By November, Penn State had offered, followed by 14 other Power Four programs. Notre Dame joined later but quickly drew a compelling comparison between McKeogh and former Irish offensive tackle Joe Alt.

Like McKeogh, Alt was a late bloomer. Initially a 240-pound high school tight end, Alt transitioned into an elite offensive lineman and became the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. During McKeogh’s first Notre Dame visit on April 16, Rudolph noted the similarities.

“They think I’m that guy and can turn out similar to someone like Joe Alt,” McKeogh said. “They found parallels between me and him coming into his freshman year. So, they could really develop me. They think I have a really high upside. …

“They told me how he came in as a tight end. He wasn’t the heaviest, but he was definitely taller than most. It was the idea of switching positions growing up, finding that spot on the O-line and getting stronger and heavier, but being able to maintain that athletic ability while you’re there.”

The Grayson McKeogh File

McKeogh played primarily at left tackle for the La Salle College Explorers, who finished 10-1 last season before losing to Sacca and Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep in the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.

Initially recruited as a defensive lineman, McKeogh recorded at least 20 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during his sophomore year. Last season, he contributed on defense with 4 tackles and an interception while thriving on the offensive line.

Off the field, McKeogh boasts a 4.14 GPA and is a member of La Salle’s varsity basketball team.