Notre Dame Secures Commitment from Top 2026 Four-Star Defensive Lineman
On Saturday morning, four-star defensive tackle Tiki Hola announced his commitment to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over other strong contenders like SMU and USC. Standing at 6-2 and weighing 285 pounds, Hola is a significant addition to Notre Dame’s defensive line, a position where top-tier talent is always in demand.
Ranked among the top defensive linemen in the country, Hola sits at No. 311 in the 247Sports composite rankings for the class of 2026. His recruitment attracted attention from powerhouse programs, including LSU, Michigan, and Georgia. However, Hola narrowed his choices down to SMU, USC, and Notre Dame before making his final decision on May 10.
The commitment of Hola aligns with Notre Dame’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in the trenches. He joins fellow four-star defensive lineman Ebenezer Ewetade and five-star recruit Rodney Dunham in the 2026 defensive line class, giving the Irish a formidable foundation.
Wherever the Lord takes me! ✍🏽
I’m blessed and grateful for this opportunity. pic.twitter.com/XNBoCWIiW5— Lisiate Tiki Hola (@tiki_hola) May 6, 2025
Hailing from Bastrop, TX, Hola’s decision was not an easy one, as his close ties to family and the desire to stay closer to home played a significant role in his recruitment. SMU was a strong contender for his commitment, finishing as a close second, while USC fell behind in his decision-making process.
Notre Dame had to fend off SMU’s efforts until the final days of Hola’s recruitment. His arrival in South Bend will bring both power and speed to a defensive line that the Irish are working to rebuild following the departures of Rylie Mills and Howard Cross to the NFL. The coaching staff believes Hola has the potential to be a game-changer when he steps onto the field.
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