Road notes: The latest intel on four-star LB target Gavin Nix’s Notre Dame football recruitment

Notre Dame is taking a big swing at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star linebacker Gavin Nix. And the Fighting Irish could get another hit after making contact with the 2025 thumper since college coaches could begin contacting recruits on Aug. 1. 

At least that’s what Blue & Gold has gathered after watching Nix and the IMG Academy Ascenders defeat Indianapolis Ben Davis High, 34-14, on Friday night.

Over the last 39 days, defensive coordinator Al Golden and director of high school scouting Dre Brown have extended Notre Dame’s effort for Nix, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 209 overall player and No. 22 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting cycle. 

But Golden and Brown’s pursuit of Nix goes back to April 15, when the Irish hosted the 6-foot, 226-pounder on an unofficial college recruiting visit. Nix, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 30 2025 prospect in Florida, left with a full-ride scholarship offer from the Irish that day. 

Nix is originally from Kissimmee, Fla., which made his spring Notre Dame visit even more notable. Florida’s top football recruits rarely travel to South Bend without a previous scholarship offer. However, Nix saw an avenue in his recruitment that he wanted to investigate.

Notre Dame’s tradition and prestige propelled him to campus. He also gravitated toward the school’s environment and education, the latter being an important factor in his eventual college decision. Overall, his first trip to campus could not have gone much better, which is why he’s eyeing a return one. 

If his schedule aligns as anticipated, Nix could wind back up in South Bend for No. 10 Notre Dame’s marquee matchup against No. 5 Ohio State on Sept. 23. IMG Academy has a bye that week, opening the window to a Notre Dame game day visit.

While that visit is not set in stone, it is trending in that direction. 

Speaking of trends … the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) accurately reads Nix’s recruitment. Since Aug. 1, Miami, Florida, UCF and Florida State have been the heavy hitters in the contact department. The RPM says Florida has a 40.7% chance to land his commitment. Miami (20.6%), Florida State (17.6%) and UCF (3.9%) are behind. 

Nix has visited the former three schools several times while reporting one to UCF. He has also checked out South Carolina and North Carolina. Twenty Power Five programs have offered in total, including Alabama, Oregon and Texas. Those three programs have also been frequently in touch since Aug. 1.

Nix was unaware of any other game day visits on his schedule this fall. That could make Nix’s potential Notre Dame trip a home run for the program. Now, he just needs to step up to the South Bend plate, of course, this time, batting with a plane ticket in hand. 

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