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Diving prospect Rhett Smerklo of Longhorn Aquatics has verbally committed to the University of Notre Dame for the fall of 2027.
Smerklo was featured as the #9-ranked diving recruit in SwimSwam’s ranking of the top 10 divers in the boys’ high school class of 2027.
I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Notre Dame! I’d like to thank my friends, family, coaches, and teammates for all of the support throughout this process. Thank you to Coach Josh for giving me this amazing opportunity! I can’t wait to be part of the team! GO IRISH🍀🍀🍀
Smerklo competed at the 2025 USA Diving Junior National Championships, where he finished 18th on 1-meter (363.20), 27th on 3-meter (375.35), and 23rd on the platform (351.80).
His best 1-meter performance came at the 2025 USA Diving Zone D Championships, where he scored 386.70, good enough for 6th place. He also finished 8th on 3-meter (387.45) and 5th on platform (338.85).
Smerklo’s top 3-meter score came at the 2025 USA Diving Junior Region 8 Championships. He finished 6th at that meet with a best score of 397.95.
Best Scores:
- 1-meter: 386.70
- 3-meter: 397.95
- Platform: 373.45
The Notre Dame men finished 15th at the 2025 ACC Swimming and Diving Championships, with only their divers competing due to the swim team’s season-long suspension.
Ben Nguyen was the top scorer on 1-meter at ACCs last season for the Fighting Irish as a junior, scoring 14 points and placing 13th. He was also the top finisher on the 3-meter, finishing 20th and scoring 5 points.
Smerklo is the first recruit announced for the 2027 recruiting class of the Fighting Irish men.
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Great choice Rhett!!
Welcome Rhett! ☘️💚