The Notre Dame program, under Coach Deland McCullough, is heavily focused on nurturing the running back position, as evidenced by the recruitment of 2026 Boca Raton star Javian Mallory. During a recent visit, Coach McCullough had the opportunity to observe Mallory in action and deepen their relationship, leaving a positive impression on the young player. Mallory, in turn, expressed great enthusiasm about the upcoming spring game and highlighted Notre Dame as a school he intends to visit during his busy summer travel schedule, despite not having made a physical visit yet. The Florida native has garnered notable attention from several top college football programs, holding an impressive offer list and earning a four-star recruit ranking from major scouting services.

By the Numbers
  • Mallory rushed for 1,415 yards and 18 touchdowns in 11 games as a sophomore
  • He also recorded 22 receptions for 438 yards and six touchdowns
  • Ranked as the No. 231, No. 206, and No. 109 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals respectively
State of Play
  • Notre Dame has made a strong early impression on Mallory, and he plans to include the school in his summer travel schedule
  • Mallory is balancing his recruiting process with the help of role models to avoid feeling overwhelmed
  • Despite being a sophomore, Mallory has received offers from prominent college football programs such as Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida
What's Next

As Mallory continues to navigate the recruitment process, upcoming school visits are poised to shape his decision-making. Once he visits Notre Dame, the impact of the program is expected to strengthen further.

Bottom Line

Notre Dame's strong bond with Javian Mallory, combined with his impressive on-field performance and significant recruiting interest, positions him as a notable prospect to watch, with the potential to make a significant impact in college football.