Four-Star PG Jonathan Sanderson commits to Notre Dame

Jonathan Sanderson, a four-star point guard in the 2026 class, has committed to Notre Dame, he told On3.

The 6-foot-2 rising senior of La Lumiere School (IN) chose Micah Shrewsberry and the Fighting Irish over offers from Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon, Purdue, Creighton, and many others.

Sanderson, a Saline, Michigan native, becomes Notre Dame’s first commitment in the 2026 class. See who else Notre Dame has offered in the 2026 class here.

Sanderson on his commitment to Notre Dame

Jonathan Sanderson went in-depth on his commitment to Notre Dame with On3.

“I chose Notre Dame because it felt like the perfect fit for my style of play. I really like how they utilize their guards and the way Coach Shrewsberry sees and teaches the game. I also love the culture and environment surrounding the program.”

In his own words, what type of player is Notre Dame getting in Sanderson?

“My game is built on giving everything I have every time I step on the court. As a point guard, I can score at all three levels and create opportunities for others at a high level. A lot of people are also surprised by my athleticism—I take pride in bringing that edge to my game.”

He has a message for Irish fans.

“Notre Dame fans should know they’re getting a player who competes every single play and is very high energy. Winning comes first, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help us succeed.”

Sanderson is the No. 51 overall recruit in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He’s also the No. 8 point guard prospect and the No. 1 player in Indiana. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Scouting Report on Jonathan Sanderson

From On3’s Jamie Shaw:

Jonathan Sanderson is a strong lead guard with athleticism and confidence. He plays fast, with range that extends beyond the arc and he is able to self-create off the bounce or play off ball and stretch the floor with his shooting range.

Shrewsberry has had his best teams with a lead guard who is able to put pressure on a defense off a live dribble. Sanderson fits that mold, while being able to elevate the play of those around him. While there will be a learning curve, Shrewsberry has found success with guys who have similar attributes to Sanderson.

Sanderson the son of new Notre Dame strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson

Jonathan Sanderson is the son of new Notre Dame men’s basketball Director of Men’s Basketball Strength & Conditioning coach Jon Sanderson. He is the only strength and conditioning coach in NCAA history to both play (Ohio State, 1999) and coach (Michigan, 2013 & 2018) in a Final Four.

“We are fortunate to add Jon to our basketball staff and Sports Performance team. He is regarded as one of the best strength & conditioning coaches in the country, and his addition is a game changer for our program,” Coach Shrewsberry stated. “We strive to be a program that stresses player development, and Jon’s track record of success at multiple schools makes him an ideal fit.”

Notre Dame coming off a top-10 class

The Irish finished with a top-10 recruiting class last cycle, coming in at No. 8 overall. Headling the 2025 class is high four-star SF Jalen Haralson, the No. 20-ranked prospect. Joining him are three more freshman in four-star PF Brady Koehler (No. 78 NATL), four-star SF Ryder Frost (No. 79 NATL), and three-star C Tommy Ahneman (No. 152 NATL). The Irish bring in one lone transfer from Northern Arizona, PF Carson Towt, the nation’s leading rebounder (12.4 per game).