On May 10, 2025, Tiki Hola, a four-star defensive lineman from Bastrop, Texas, announced his commitment to Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish over SMU and USC. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound prospect, ranked as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the Class of 2026 by some recruiting services, made his decision public during an Instagram live stream, stating, “They say choose hard, but I chose God.” This commitment marks a significant recruiting victory for Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive line coach Al Washington, bolstering an already impressive 2026 class ranked second nationally by Rivals.
Hola’s journey to Notre Dame was marked by a thoughtful recruitment process. With 25 scholarship offers from elite programs like LSU, Michigan, Georgia, and Texas, Hola narrowed his choices to Notre Dame, SMU, and USC by late March. His decision came down to a tight race between Notre Dame and SMU, with USC fading despite their top-ranked 2026 class. Hola’s deep connection to his family and Texas roots made SMU, located closer to home, a strong contender. However, Notre Dame’s persistent recruitment, led by Washington and assistant coach Nick Sebastian, tipped the scales. “Coach Sebastian and Coach Washington have been recruiting me for the last few years,” Hola said. “They’ve always made me feel like it’s home.”
On the field, Hola is a versatile and explosive talent. Described as “athletic, bendy, and versatile” by Rivals, he can play multiple positions along the defensive line, from a 3-technique to a 4- or 5-technique. His 84-inch wingspan, strength, and speed make him a disruptive force, evidenced by his 2024 season stats at Bastrop High: 102 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 12 games. Hola’s accolades include the 2024 Texas District 11-5A Defensive MVP and first-team all-state honors. Notre Dame sees him as a key interior presence to replace departing veterans like Rylie Mills and Howard Cross, strengthening their defensive trenches.
Off the field, Hola’s maturity and faith guided his choice. His high school coach, Jake Griedl, praised his humility and discernment, noting, “Tiki’s level of maturity for a 17-year-old in the recruiting spotlight is remarkable.” Hola’s commitment reflects his trust in Notre Dame’s culture and the character of Freeman and Washington, whom he described as “great people” opening doors beyond football. His visits to South Bend, including a 2023 game against Wake Forest and a spring 2025 practice, solidified his connection to the program’s family-like atmosphere.
Hola joins a stacked Notre Dame 2026 defensive line class, including five-star Rodney Dunham and four-star Ebenezer Ewetade, enhancing a unit poised to dominate. His commitment underscores Notre Dame’s recruiting surge, with 15 verbal pledges, 14 of whom are four-star recruits. As Hola prepares to arrive in South Bend, his blend of talent, character, and faith positions him as a cornerstone for the Fighting Irish’s future.
