Notre Dame hosts four-star OT Ekene Ogboko, Duke gets him on Saturday
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The recruiting battles have already begun among top college football programs in the hopes of landing Ekene Ogboko (6-7, 295). The four-star 2026 prospect out of South Garner High School (Durham) in North Carolina will have his pick of schools come his senior season with certain teams already pushing to be in consideration when a decision is made.
Holding double digit offers racing towards 20, Ogboko spoke about his overall recruiting process.
“The process has been great,” Ogboko said. “I have meet new people and coaches and seen new places; everything is new. I keep my head down and keep working, the grind doesn’t stop. I gotta keep working.”
One of the teams building a relationship with Ogboko that could turn into an offer soon is the Fighting Irish.
“Notre Dame is showing interest,” Ogboko stated. “Hopefully they keep showing interest; hopefully they will offer.”
Penn State and Duke are among the teams letting Ogboko know he is a priority in the 2026 class. The Blue Devils will see Ogboko on Saturday when Notre Dame comes to town.
“What has me excited is the game,” Ogboko shared. “I want to see how Duke will play against another big team. I went to the Duke vs. Clemson game; I want to see how they do for the rest of the season. I want to see how Notre Dame responds after losing to Ohio State. I know it will be a great game, I want to see what will happen.”
The Fighting Irish hosted Ogboko last weekend for the 17-14 last-minute thriller.
“That game was a very good game,” Ogboko said. “Notre Dame was controlling Ohio State until two or three minutes to go. Ohio State got the last drive and got to the goal line. Notre Dame had 10 men on the field, they ran it in for the touchdown. Some say he didn’t get in. It was a very good game; I am glad for that experience.”
Insight into the relationship with the Fighting Irish staff was given, “Their coaching staff is great. They all welcomed me. Notre Dame has a great vibe. They all talked to me; it felt like family. I was grateful for that.”
One other trip is sure to happen, the date just hasn’t been set yet.
“I am going to a Penn State game soon, I am excited for that,” Ogboko stated. “I’m not sure which game it is yet.
To help pile up the wins on the gridiron for his South Garner squad, and to showcase his growth for college scouts, Ogboko was busy over the offseason working on his game.
“Definitely this offseason I worked on my pass set, hand placement, my run game blocking, staying low, keeping my feet inside and my hips up,” Ogboko said. “I worked on driving and I focused on delivering the punch off the ball.”
With kick-stepping and inside run blocking being strengths to his game, Ogboko spoke about where he is seeing improvements in his own game.
“Definitely seeing the improvements in my run blocking, staying low helps, and driving my hips into the man,” Ogboko shared. “My pass set and kicking has gotten better. I am stopping pass rushers; that is showing in my game.”
The push for the four-star is real, the last three offers for Ogboko came from Georgia, Penn State, and Tennessee.