2025 Jalen Cooper, a Cibolo Steele (Texas) receiver, accepted an invitation from Notre Dame in August and traveled to South Bend to watch the Fighting Irish play Stanford.
The 6-foot-2, 170-pounder has been a top priority for the staff in recent months, and Cooper sensed it the moment he arrived on campus.
Notre Dame general manager Chad Bowden had developed a close relationship with Cooper, including a trip to Cibolo last month to watch the Steelers practice.
Cooper commented, “They were good, and everyone here is great.” “Chad is a great guy and real passionate about what he does.”
Cooper, who is committed to SMU, had high expectations going into the visit, and they were exceeded throughout his 48 hours on campus.
“It was a great experience this weekend seeing a lot of unseen and seen culture and tradition,” Cooper told me.
Cooper was able to get a good feel for Notre Dame’s offense and some of the game-day surroundings he may play in over the next few years because it was not a summer official visit.
“The game atmosphere and the tradition they have,” Cooper replied when asked what stood out the most.
Notre Dame’s commits and other prospects also contributed, as Cooper felt a natural connection with them that the Texas native wanted to experience.
“I talked with them throughout the visit,” Cooper explained. “The commits talked with me, saying how much they want me to be a part of the team.”
Cooper will make a definitive decision sooner rather than later.
“I will make it in a week,” Cooper claimed.
