Lucky Charms: Notre Dame looking to land Michigan decommit?

Here are today’s Lucky Charms, a Monday-Thursday insider notes article on Notre Dame football recruiting.

*** Billings (Mont.) West’s Matt Ludwig, the No. 200 prospect and No. 9 tight end in America according to the 2026 Rivals Industry Ranking, pledged to Michigan back in May, which was a bummer for the Fighting Irish, as the staff saw him as an elite talent and badly wanted his commitment.

Ludwig signed with Michigan last Wednesday, but after head coach Sherrone Moore was fired from the Wolverines with cause for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and was then arrested Wednesday evening, Ludwig requested — and was granted — a release from his letter of intent.

Notre Dame signed 27 prospects in the 2026 class — which was a full boat for the Irish as is — and may add quarterback Teddy Jarrard, a 2027 commit who is likely to reclassify. Could Notre Dame take Ludwig, which would be a third tight end in the class? The staff will have to figure out how to make the numbers work, but sources close to Ludwig tell myself and Blue & Gold’s Kyle Kelly that the Irish staff has already been in contact with the four-star prospect.

Ludwig was going to enroll early at Michigan, and I’d only assume that he’d enroll early at his new stop as well. He has a few weeks to make a decision before the spring semester begins, but my personal guess is that he’ll make a decision in the 7-10 days.

Watch out for Notre Dame and Texas Tech in Ludwig’s recruitment. He visited those two schools before picking the Wolverines, and we’re told those may be the two to watch.

“The family feel is what I’m most focused on,” Ludwig told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong after being released from his letter of intent.

*** Michigan State has not announced the news yet, but Irish linebackers coach Max Bullough is fully expected to leave his post in South Bend for his alma mater. Notre Dame has two linebacker commitments in the 2027 class, who gave their thoughts on the news to Blue & Gold.

Mobile (Ala.) Williamson’s Ellis McGaskin: “It’s heartbreaking, but I understand — it’s a business. I’m happy for my guy Max and his new role!”

Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy’s Amarri Irvin: “I’m super happy for him, and I’m committed to Notre Dame.”

We have no reason to believe that the Irish’s two linebacker signees in the 2026 cycle — Thomas Davis Jr. and Kobe Clapper — are looking to make a move either. They must be upset but will move forward with Notre Dame.