Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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42 NOV. 15, 2025 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY KYLE KELLY T o complete its potential record-set- ting football recruiting class, Notre Dame is pursuing Western Pennsylva- nia's all-time touchdown leader … as a defensive recruit. That would be Matt Sieg, a safety prospect who has 62 more career touch- downs (194) than his high school, Fort Cherry, outside of Pittsburgh, has male students (132). He also has more than 7,600 rushing yards and 4,600 passing yards in his four-year high school ca- reer. And as of recently, the opportunity to become the 28th commit in the Irish's 2026 recruiting class — which would be the most in the Marcus Freeman era and the most overall at Notre Dame in 20 years. On Feb. 27, the Irish made their first move for Sieg, offering a scholarship to the three-star prospect and No. 40 safety nationally. But Sieg wouldn't budge. The 6-foot, 185-pounder had been verbally committed to Penn State for almost four months and had no in- terest in reconsidering. Then the Nit- tany Lions fired James Franklin Oct. 12. Shortly thereafter, Notre Dame ana- lyst Jevaughn Codlin called to rekindle interest. Unlike eight months before, Sieg welcomed the spark. Though he remains committed to Penn State, that pledge is now essentially a placeholder. "Once the news hit, [Codlin] called me and asked if I wanted to come up," Sieg told Blue & Gold Illustrated. "I was, 'Definitely, obviously.' I've always liked Notre Dame. I mean, it's Notre Dame." As of Nov. 7, the expectation was that Sieg would visit South Bend for the first time as a recruit. If recent conversations with Notre Dame are any indication, he'll have the coaching staff's full attention. Sieg's interest in Notre Dame comes despite the Irish already having five defensive backs verbally committed. However, the Irish have been known to adjust their defensive back plans under assistant coach Mike Mickens. Just last cycle, they signed six defensive backs after landing dual-sport athlete Bran- don Logan shortly before his 2024 se- nior season. Logan also signed to play baseball at Notre Dame and is an MLB Draft prospect. Sieg could have pursued baseball at the next level, too. Early in his high school career, he received offers on the diamond from LSU and Penn State but chose to prioritize football. His athleti- cism speaks for itself. He's a four-sport standout who also plays basketball and competes in track and field. Even though he golfs recre- ationally, he has a personal best of 78 on 18 holes. He also reports a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a 4.1 GPA — two marks that make him an ideal fit for Notre Dame and reason enough for Mickens to join Codlin in his recruitment. "I have talked to Coach Mickens a cou- ple of times, a good bit," Sieg said, "espe- cially now that I'm opening it back up." During Notre Dame's second bye week, Freeman became involved as well, making it clear that the program's interest is legitimate. "They just wanted to reiterate the fact that they are very interested in me and the love that they're show- ing is real," Sieg said. "They'd love for me to come join them. That was a big thing to hear, especially from Coach Freeman. It was definitely cool to be able to talk to him and let him know the interest is mutual." The number of defensive backs in Notre Dame's class could be a factor in Sieg's decision, but not a deciding one. "It's something to think about, but that's not really my end-all be- all," Sieg said. "I know if I go there, I'll get developed and turn into a great player regardless." The first two weekends af- ter reopening his recruitment, Sieg officially visited Indiana and Pittsburgh, respectively. He's also considering a trip to West Virginia. But first comes his highly antici- pated Notre Dame visit. Sieg remains verbally committed to Penn State while exploring his op- tions, but he's not set on playing in State College. At the very least, he wants to see who becomes the program's next head coach, giving other programs a chance to flip him. "My plan is to wait and see what ends up happening at Penn State," he said. "Not only who they name, but what a lot of the coaches currently there end up doing. "That is the goal and plan for me — to wait for that and see what happens before I make an announcement on a decision or whatnot. But if that doesn't happen before signing day, I'll be ready to commit by signing day regardless." The Irish have a chance to change those plans because, as Sieg said, "At the end of the day, it's Notre Dame." "The school, Notre Dame in general, is a powerful thing," Sieg said. "I've al- ways recognized it's a great program. I've watched a lot of games over the years. It's definitely just a cool thing that I'm excited to go check out — and maybe be a part of." ✦ F O O T B A L L RECRUITING Notre Dame Eyes Penn State Commit As Potential Last Piece To 2026 Class McDonald (Pa.) Fort Cherry's Matt Sieg, the No. 40 safety in America per Rivals, is committed to Penn State but is considering flipping to Indiana, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh or West Virginia. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS