It is clear that Ben is operating at an entirely different level than everyone else. His size, strength and physicality stand out, but pair that with his great technique and football IQ and you get a guy that’s one of the most highly touted prospects in Notre Dame’s recruiting class. Multiple times I watched him get under the pads of the defensive lineman and take him wherever he wanted. In pass protection, he has quick feet, good balance and the ability to counter both power and speed rushing moves. His ceiling is as high as any offensive lineman I’ve gotten to cover in person.

Ben Nichols Ben Nichols 6'6" | 325 lbs | OL Davison | 2026 State MI is an extremely impressive kid who will fit right in at Notre Dame, a place known for developing offensive linemen. The Fighting Irish will be getting a kid with all of the physical tools to be successful.

Nichols has good footwork, great physicality and a clear understanding of how to leverage his size and skill against edge rushers. In the run game, Nichols is a bulldozer and has no issues getting out to the second level. Watching him in Davison’s playoff game against Oxford, it was clear that Nichols was the best player on the field. A true man amongst boys out there.

The case for Ben:

There was never a doubt that this dude is destined to be a high P4 lineman, and when I saw him a few weeks ago, he proved once again just what makes him so special. He’s an absolute powerhouse with tremendous size. He has great footwork, gains leverage on his opponent and simply flattens them. In the passing game, he has great technique and doesn’t let any initial pass rush beat him. Even if he gets out of position, which is very rare, he has the athleticism to recover and continue to win the rep. Ben is a very special talent in our state and I will be looking forward to seeing where he commits to!

There was never a doubt that this dude is destined to be a high P4 lineman, and when I saw him a few weeks ago, he proved once again just what makes him so special. He’s an absolute powerhouse with tremendous size. He has great footwork, gains leverage on his opponent and simply flattens them. In the passing game, he has great technique and doesn’t let any initial pass rush beat him. Even if he gets out of position, which is very rare, he has the athleticism to recover and continue to win the rep. Ben is a very special talent in our state and I will be looking forward to seeing where he commits to!