Elite TE Seneca Driver Courted by Top SEC, Big 12 Programs

Kentucky, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma are the leading contenders for the nation's top tight end prospect.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Seneca Driver, the No. 18 overall player and top-ranked tight end in the 2024 recruiting class, is being heavily recruited by several top college football programs. Kentucky, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma are the three schools currently leading in Driver's recruitment, each offering something unique that has the 6'6", 240-pound prospect from Danville, Kentucky intrigued.

Why it matters

Landing elite talent like Seneca Driver is crucial for programs looking to build championship-caliber rosters. As the No. 1 tight end in the country, Driver's commitment could provide a major boost to whichever school is able to secure his signature on National Signing Day.

The details

Driver has already visited Kentucky's campus and been impressed by the "different energy" and "competitive" nature of the new coaching staff under head coach Will Stein. Notre Dame has also long been considered a frontrunner, with the school's track record of developing top tight end prospects. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has surged into contention, with Driver planning an upcoming visit to Norman to meet with coaches Cale Whitten and Joe Arbuckle.

  • Driver will visit Oklahoma this weekend.
  • Driver visited Kentucky's campus last month.

The players

Seneca Driver

A 6'6", 240-pound tight end prospect from Danville, Kentucky, ranked as the No. 18 overall player and top tight end in the 2024 recruiting class.

Will Stein

The head football coach at the University of Kentucky.

Cale Whitten

An assistant football coach at the University of Oklahoma.

Joe Arbuckle

An assistant football coach at the University of Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“There's just a different energy with the new staff. This staff is very competitive. Coach Stein is young, very energetic and he really wants to win games, which is a good thing. It just feels different. There's a happy vibe there, and everyone wants to be there.”

— Seneca Driver (Rivals)

What’s next

Driver plans to visit Oklahoma this weekend as the Sooners look to make a late push in his recruitment. Kentucky and Notre Dame will also continue their efforts to secure a commitment from the elite tight end prospect.

The takeaway

Seneca Driver's recruitment has become a high-stakes battle between several of college football's premier programs, each vying to land one of the nation's top overall talents. His decision will have major implications for the future success of whichever school is able to secure his signature.