Notre Dame’s momentum as a top destination for NFL bloodlines continued with the return of Thomas Davis Jr., a 2026 linebacker from Weddington High in Matthews, North Carolina. The Fighting Irish commit has remained an outspoken presence within the class since announcing his pledge in November.
Davis is the son of longtime NFL standout Thomas Davis Sr., who starred primarily with the Carolina Panthers over a 16-year career. His recent visit highlights Notre Dame’s increasing appeal to recruits with professional pedigrees, reinforcing its image as a hub for elite football legacies.
Notre Dame’s NFL Lineage Grows With Thomas Davis Jr. Back on Campus for Official Visit
Thomas Davis Jr., a four-star linebacker from Weddington HS in Matthews, North Carolina, made his official visit to Notre Dame this weekend, marking his sixth trip to South Bend.
A longtime commit in the 2026 class, Davis has been one of the program’s most vocal leaders since pledging to the Irish last November. He shared a post from campus on Instagram to confirm his arrival.
Notre Dame four-star LB commit Thomas Davis Jr. from Matthews (N.C.) Weddington has arrived on campus for his official visit.
This weekend marks his sixth trip to South Bend. Davis visited Georgia earlier this month.
📸: https://t.co/kg5i7iIDUH pic.twitter.com/6g9XvCqT6C
— Kyle Kelly (@ByKyleKelly) June 13, 2025
Davis, the son of former NFL All-Pro linebacker Thomas Davis Sr., was instrumental in Weddington’s Class 4A state title run as a sophomore, tallying 92 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 7 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, 8 pass breakups, and a forced fumble across 16 games.
He followed up with a strong junior campaign, producing 62 tackles, 8 for loss, 10 hurries, 2 interceptions, 12 breakups, and a fumble recovery in 13 games. He’s totaled 185 career tackles entering his senior year.
This most recent trip to South Bend, Indiana, included quality time with coaches and fellow recruits.
“It was great,” Davis told On3. “We got to spend a lot of time there. I got in on Friday evening, went to dinner with the staff, and got to meet Coach [Chris] Ash for the first time.”
He also sat in on meetings, watched practice, and studied film with young linebackers. During a previous visit, Davis witnessed the commitment of Ebenezer Ewetade, a four-star EDGE from South Garner (N.C.).
“That was big time,” Davis told Blue & Gold. “Ebenezer is a great kid and a great player. We knew what the plan was going to be for his commitment, and that was cool to see.”
Davis received his Notre Dame offer during last year’s Pot of Gold Day. His third trip to campus came in November when he watched the Irish rout Florida State, 52–3.
While Davis still has a year left of high school ball, Notre Dame’s recent recruiting push means that when the son of the NFL legend arrives on campus next year, he should have great talent playing around him — both on the defense and on the team as a whole.
