Five-Star Sophomore Sensation Jillian Torres, No. 4 National Outfielder, Commits to Notre Dame Softball Over Indiana and Tennessee

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish just scored a major recruiting victory in the world of collegiate softball, securing the commitment of one of the most electrifying young prospects in the country. Jillian Torres, a five-star recruit widely regarded as the No. 4 overall outfielder in the 2027 class, announced her commitment to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over powerhouse programs like Indiana and Tennessee.

Torres’ decision sent a jolt of excitement through the Notre Dame softball community and signaled that the Fighting Irish are ready to make an aggressive push toward becoming a perennial championship contender. At just a sophomore, Torres has already developed a national reputation as one of the most complete players in high school softball, drawing widespread attention with her blend of elite speed, explosive hitting, and defensive range.

From the moment college coaches could begin contact with prospects in her class, Torres had no shortage of suitors. Programs from the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC flooded her with offers, intrigued by her athleticism, discipline, and leadership qualities. But in the end, the decision came down to three schools—Notre Dame, Indiana, and Tennessee—and it was the blend of academics, culture, and competitive opportunity in South Bend that ultimately sealed the deal.

“Notre Dame just felt like home the moment I stepped on campus,” Torres said in her commitment announcement. “The coaches made me feel like part of the family from day one, and I believe in their vision. I wanted a school where I could thrive as a player and as a person, and there’s no better place than Notre Dame.”

Torres’ commitment is a significant milestone for the Irish softball program, which has quietly been building momentum on the recruiting trail. With head coach Deanna Gumpf at the helm, Notre Dame has consistently fielded competitive teams, but landing a top-five national recruit at such a young age signals the possibility of reaching even greater heights.

The California native has dazzled scouts with her abilities across every phase of the game. As a leadoff hitter, Torres boasts a rare combination of speed and patience, frequently drawing walks or stretching singles into doubles with ease. Her left-handed swing is short, compact, and powerful, with a keen ability to drive the ball to all fields. On the bases, she’s a nightmare for defenses—her elite speed and sharp instincts make her a constant threat to steal or take an extra base.

Defensively, Torres is just as dominant. She covers an extraordinary amount of ground in center field and has a plus arm that discourages runners from taking chances. Her reaction time and instincts have already been described by evaluators as college-ready, and several believe she could start for many Division I programs today despite only being in her second year of high school.

What makes Torres truly stand out, though, is her work ethic and mental approach to the game. Coaches who have worked with her describe her as a quiet leader, someone who leads by example in the weight room, on the field, and in the classroom. She’s been praised for her humility and focus, often choosing to let her game do the talking while always striving to improve.

“She’s one of those once-in-a-decade players,” one national scouting director said. “She plays like a professional already—her maturity is off the charts, and her physical tools speak for themselves. Notre Dame just landed a future All-American.”

For Torres, the recruiting process was intense but methodical. She and her family took their time with visits, speaking extensively with coaching staffs and current players. Ultimately, it was Notre Dame’s unique combination of athletic excellence and academic prestige that won out. Known for producing leaders across all walks of life, Notre Dame’s mission resonated deeply with the Torres family, who emphasized balance and long-term growth in Jillian’s college decision.

Indiana and Tennessee each made strong pushes, and both programs were considered serious contenders throughout the process. Tennessee, in particular, had been hopeful that its SEC pedigree and recent success on the national stage might sway Torres. Indiana, meanwhile, pitched its in-state proximity and growing program under an energetic coaching staff.

But Notre Dame’s consistency and its emphasis on player development proved too much to overcome. In particular, Torres connected with Coach Gumpf and assistant coaches Kris Ganeff and Lizzy Ristano, all of whom played key roles in laying out a clear vision for her role in the program’s future.

“They didn’t just tell me I could be great—they showed me how they would help me get there,” Torres said. “It was never just about softball. It was about growing as a leader, about preparing for life after sports, and about being part of something bigger than myself.”

Torres is expected to anchor Notre Dame’s outfield from the moment she steps on campus in 2027, and there’s already considerable buzz about the type of recruiting domino effect her commitment could have. Top-tier prospects often pay close attention to where elite players land, and having someone of Torres’ caliber already locked in gives Notre Dame instant credibility in conversations with other five-stars.

Her presence could also reshape the Irish’s offensive strategy. Known traditionally for their solid pitching and contact-oriented lineups, Torres adds an element of explosive athleticism that can transform games. She has the potential to be a program-defining player—one whose impact is felt not just in wins and losses, but in how the team evolves stylistically and culturally.