Brady Hart update: Where things stand between Notre Dame and the 2026 four-star QB
When the month of May rolls around in the state of Florida, spring ball begins and hope of a state title later in the year flows for high school programs. And for the case of Cocoa (Fla.) High and its star quarterback Brady Hart, it’s the possibility of a back-to-back championship.
“It’s been great,” Hart told Blue & Gold after practice at his high school last Thursday. “It’s a great time of the year — nice and relaxing but we’re getting to work. Every single day, there have been multiple coaches coming by. That’s been sweet.”
Hart took a few college recruiting trips in the spring, but that has slowed down to a halt with his focus now on ball.
“I had a really busy early spring with visits,” he added. “It’s been refreshing to focus on my school — that’s what matters most right now — working with my brothers on our next state championship.”
Early last week, Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli made it by Cocoa to watch Hart practice. Since offering Hart in December, the Fighting Irish have become a big contender in his recruitment. Hart loved his early April visit to campus.
“Talking to Coach Gino is great,” Hart said. “He’s an awesome guy. Coach Denbrock is great, too. They’re both pretty great.
“Everything has been great. They do a great job recruiting me, for sure. I reach out to them; we’ve had multiple phone calls. Coach Denbrock is great — coming from LSU, he’s an offensive genius.”
Hart has had chalk talk conversations with Guidugli in the past, which is something that the four-star class of 2026 prospect enjoys.
“We talk about our offense and things I can do better,” noted Hart. “And we talk about Notre Dame’s offense — what they do and how it’d fit me.”
When Guidugli has those talks with high school recruits, he’s building a connection with them and making a recruiting pitch — while also testing their football acumen.
“For sure — and that’s huge,” added Hart. “A lot of college coaches do that. Playing quarterback is more than your physical ability. The mental side is important, too.”
The biggest question for Hart moving forward in his process is where else he’ll visit and what his decision timeline looks like. He has three schools on his mind for potential visits — Notre Dame, Penn State and North Carolina.
“Maybe go to a couple camps — I’m not sure exactly what the full summer plans look like,” he said. “Nothing locked in yet.
“The decision is getting tough, for sure. It’ll probably be after the season. It might still be before the season, but I haven’t felt that peace yet on where I want to go. It just takes time, and I’ll get that feeling.”
Hart’s sophomore season was outstanding. He completed 288 of 437 passes (66 percent) for 3,759 yards with 41 touchdowns and 11 interception, leading Cocoa to a 14-1 record and a Florida 2S State Championship.
He still has two years left of high school ball and expectations are high after already winning a state title. But as far as personal goals go, the only stat he cares about are wins and losses.
“If you get the job done on the team, the personal goals come with that,” he said. “I’m going to be the best player I can for my team.
Hart’s high school teammate — class of 2025 wide receiver Jayvan Boggs — is in line for another big season. And Hart couldn’t rave more about the key Fighting Irish target.
“His route running is the best in the country,” said Hart. “He has next level speed and great hands. He’s an all-around player who you can’t tackle and is strong. I’m excited to see what he does this year.”
According to the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking, Hart is the No. 101 overall prospect and No. 8 quarterback in the land.
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