Notre Dame football among the schools “sticking out most” for Top-100 Midwest star, and set to return for another visit

Notre Dame football has had tremendous luck recruiting the state of Missouri recently. That includes star running back Jeremiyah Love, as well as starting cornerback Christian Gray. Add in running back Aneyas Williams, and the Irish have had some big hits in the state the last couple of recruiting cycles.

That momentum could continue in the 2026 recruiting class where the program is pursuing Raymore (Mo.) Peculiar running back DeZephen Walker, who is one of the more highly rated ball carriers in the class overall. Having already visited South Bend in the past, it appears that Walker will be heading back for a visit on June 13. Walker also has visits planned to Purdue (April 15), Kansas (May 31), Kansas State (June 6), and Nebraska (June 20).

Demetrios Walker, DeZephen’s father, spoke to On3 vice president of recruiting Steve Wiltfong about the latest in his son’s recruitment. Notre Dame is one of the main programs that continues to be mentioned consistently.

“I know Missouri has reached out and getting back to me on an official date. Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota has reached out for official visits as well. The ones sticking out to me investing the most in him is Notre Dame, Nebraska and KU.”

The elder Walker also laid out the criteria that their family is looking for. It appears that the Irish fit it pretty perfectly, which will be interesting to watch.

“No. 1 definitely the culture of the university and the coaching staff,” Demetrios said. “And then of course we want to be part of a winning team, on the field, off the field, in the classroom.

“I’m really looking for a university that can transition him to be a young man. That’s the overall goal for me. Definitely develop him as a player not just another number going through there. I want him to improve his skill set and what I see him being which is one of the best running backs in the nation. That’s what I envision him as not just as a dad but as an assessment as a well. I’m a coach as well.”

His father has been very consistent with the culture aspect when appealing to the talented runner. He once again mentioned Notre Dame as a school that fit. Clearly they are standing out, even amidst a change from Deland McCullough to Ja’Juan Seider.

“The ones sticking out to me that have been most consistent building culture and really wants him is Notre Dame, Nebraska and KU,” he said. “Those are the ones I really like. Purdue is stepping up a lot more. Those are the ones that stick out to me.”

With the change to Coach Seider, it’s going to be interesting to see how the 2026 running back board shapes out. The program is in a good place with Walker, which is good to see. The next couple of months will tell the full story in the end.

Walker is considered to be a four-star and a top-200 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class according to every major recruiting platform. He currently sits ranked as the No. 96 overall player, No. 8 running back, and No. 3 player in Missouri on the On3 Industry ranking.

There is a long list of impressive programs who has been pursuing the Missouri star. Some of his top offers include the Fighting Irish, Georgia, Oregon, Florida, Miami, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Nebraska among many others.

Despite playing on a pretty bad team, Walker was still able to put together a nice junior season. In nine games, he rushed for 957 yards and eight touchdowns. Walker also made some plays as a pass receiver and kick returner, possessing big time speed and explosive play upside.