Notre Dame Football Recruiting Is on Fire: Irish Add Elite Talent Across the 2027 and 2028 Classes

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football has recently gained a lot of momentum by adding top tier recruits to the 2027 and 2028 classes.

The Irish have landed big time commits on both sides of the football while also securing cornerstone pieces for the future. From dominant offensive linemen and explosive edge rushers to elite skill players and one of the top young quarterbacks in the country, Notre Dame is once again proving it can recruit with anyone in college football.

Let’s take a closer look at the newest Fighting Irish commitments for 2027:

Abraham Sesay – EDGE

School: Downingtown East High School (Exton, Pennsylvania)

Notre Dame landed one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the 2027 class when Abraham Sesay announced his commitment to the Irish. Standing around 6-foot-6 with outstanding length and athleticism, Sesay has all the physical tools coaches covet at the edge position.

What immediately stands out is his ability to explode off the line of scrimmage. He consistently pressures quarterbacks, sets the edge against the run, and has the versatility to line up in multiple defensive fronts.

What He Brings to Notre Dame

• Elite pass-rushing ability
• Outstanding size and length
• High motor and relentless effort
• Potential future All-American

Sesay has the ceiling to become one of the next great Notre Dame defensive stars.

Albert Simien – Offensive Tackle

School: Sam Houston High School (Lake Charles, Louisiana)

Winning recruiting battles in Louisiana is never easy, but Notre Dame accomplished exactly that by securing a commitment from Albert Simien. Considered one of the nation’s premier offensive linemen, Simien combines tremendous strength with impressive athleticism for a player his size.

He plays with outstanding technique, finishes blocks, and possesses the footwork necessary to protect quarterbacks against elite pass rushers.

What He Brings to Notre Dame

• Dominant run blocker
• Excellent pass protection
• High football IQ
• Multi-year starter potential

Notre Dame has long been known as “Offensive Line U,” and Simien appears capable of continuing that tradition.

Julius Jones – Wide Receiver

School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

The Irish added another dynamic offensive weapon by landing wide receiver Julius Jones. Coming from perennial national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, Jones has already played against elite competition throughout his high school career.

He’s a polished route runner with dependable hands and impressive acceleration after the catch. His ability to stretch defenses vertically should make him a dangerous playmaker in Notre Dame’s offense.

What He Brings to Notre Dame

• Big-play ability
• Excellent route running
• Reliable hands
• Dangerous yards-after-catch potential

Jones has the talent to become a favorite target in South Bend.

Segun Alexander – Defensive Line

School: Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (Rabun Gap, Georgia)

The Fighting Irish continued to strengthen the trenches with the addition of defensive lineman Segun Alexander. Alexander is a disruptive interior defender who combines power with surprising quickness off the snap.

He consistently collapses the pocket while also showing the ability to make plays against the run.

What He Brings to Notre Dame

• Interior pass rush
• Physical run defender
• Strong leverage
• High upside as a defensive tackle

Adding Alexander gives Notre Dame another versatile piece for its already talented defensive front.

Looking Ahead to the 2028 Class

Marcus Freeman and his staff are already winning the recruiting cycle for 2027 and 2028 looks just as good.

Owen Davies – Kicker

School: Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tennessee)

Special teams often decide close football games, and Owen Davies gives Notre Dame one of the nation’s premier young kicking prospects.

Davies possesses outstanding leg strength, consistency, and accuracy. Securing a dependable kicker early provides long-term stability for one of football’s most important positions.

What He Brings to Notre Dame

• Strong kickoff ability
• Long-range field goal potential
• Consistency under pressure

Andre Jones – Safety

School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Andre Jones gives Notre Dame another elite defensive back from one of America’s top football programs. He’s an instinctive safety who excels in both pass coverage and run support.

His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly while his physicality makes him an effective tackler in open space.

What He Brings to Notre Dame

• Excellent football instincts
• Strong tackling
• Ball-hawking ability
• Versatility in the secondary

Pairing Jones with future defensive backs should keep Notre Dame’s secondary among the nation’s best.

Trey Tagliaferri – Quarterback

School: Bergen Catholic High School (Oradell, New Jersey)

Perhaps the biggest building block of the 2028 class is quarterback Trey Tagliaferri.

Landing an elite quarterback early is critical because quarterbacks often become recruiters themselves, helping attract top receivers, offensive linemen, and skill position players.

Tagliaferri possesses a strong arm, impressive accuracy, and advanced decision-making for his age. His leadership qualities have already drawn praise, and his commitment gives Notre Dame a tremendous foundation for the future.

What He Brings to Notre Dame

• Excellent arm strength
• Accuracy at all levels
• Leadership
• High football IQ
• Future face of the recruiting class

Recruiting Momentum Continues

The recent commitments highlight just how well Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff are recruiting nationally.

Notre Dame continues to attract elite prospects from football-rich states including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Tennessee. That nationwide recruiting footprint has become one of the defining characteristics of Freeman’s tenure.

The Irish are building balanced recruiting classes filled with talent at nearly every position:

• Dominant offensive linemen
• Explosive edge rushers
• Athletic defensive linemen
• Dynamic wide receivers
• Talented defensive backs
• Elite specialists
• Franchise quarterbacks

Just as importantly, these commitments reinforce the culture Freeman has built—one centered on player development, academics, NFL preparation, and competing for national championships.

If Notre Dame continues recruiting at this pace, the Fighting Irish should remain firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Notre Dame’s newest 2027 football commitments?
The newest additions include edge rusher Abraham Sesay, offensive tackle Albert Simien, wide receiver Julius Jones, and defensive lineman Segun Alexander.

Who has committed to Notre Dame in the 2028 recruiting class?
Current 2028 commitments include quarterback Trey Tagliaferri, safety Andre Jones, and kicker Owen Davies.

Which commitment could have the biggest long-term impact?
Quarterback Trey Tagliaferri may be the most influential because elite quarterbacks often help recruit additional top offensive talent to future classes.

What positions has Notre Dame emphasized in recruiting?
Notre Dame has focused on strengthening the offensive and defensive lines while also adding explosive playmakers at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back.

Why is Notre Dame recruiting so well?
Marcus Freeman has established Notre Dame as a destination for elite recruits by combining championship aspirations, outstanding player development, academic excellence, and a proven pathway to the NFL. Recent recruiting momentum has positioned the Irish among the nation’s top programs.