Notre Dame’s National 2027 Blueprint: Irish Build for Glory with Six Rising Stars Set to Define the Next Recruiting Cycle
As Marcus Freeman continues to shape the next era of Notre Dame football, few elements are more critical than recruiting—and in particular, recruiting early. With the 2025 and 2026 classes already providing a foundation for the future, the focus is now shifting toward the 2027 cycle. It’s early in the process, but make no mistake: the Fighting Irish are laying down groundwork for another elite class, and six targets in particular are quickly emerging as key names to watch.
These are not just names for the sake of tracking—they are foundational pieces. Notre Dame is not chasing every five-star in the country. Freeman and his staff are prioritizing fit, character, development potential, and long-term upside. In the 2027 class, they’re casting a wide net but zeroing in on players who align with the university’s academic rigor and Freeman’s competitive vision.
What makes Notre Dame’s approach unique is the level of early contact and relationship-building. The staff is deeply invested in connecting with players before their recruitment explodes nationally. While programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State have the luxury of waiting, Notre Dame is often the first big brand to take a swing—and that proactive approach is paying off.
Consider the early conversations already taking place with some of the most intriguing prospects in the 2027 cycle. These are players who, although still early in their high school careers, are already drawing national attention from coast to coast. Notre Dame’s efforts are focused, deliberate, and deeply strategic.
One of the most talked-about names is quarterback Brandon Lockhart from California. A rising sophomore, Lockhart is already viewed as one of the best pure passers in the class. His arm talent is undeniable, but it’s his poise, anticipation, and command of the huddle that have impressed evaluators. Notre Dame’s staff has been tracking Lockhart since before his freshman season ended, and sources close to the program say offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has made him a priority. Lockhart has family ties to the Midwest and reportedly has high interest in Notre Dame’s mix of academics and football tradition. While programs like Oregon, USC, and UCLA will be in the mix, the Irish are in strong position early.
Another target who has quickly surged to the top of Notre Dame’s board is Texas linebacker Caden Rhodes. Rhodes plays with the kind of sideline-to-sideline speed and ferocity that reminds many scouts of Jaylon Smith during his high school days. He’s raw in some areas, but his physicality and IQ are well beyond his age. Freeman, a former linebacker himself, has taken a personal interest in Rhodes, and the staff’s message has resonated with the young Texan. Although Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU are expected to push hard, Rhodes recently told local reporters that Notre Dame was “one of the first schools to really believe in me and talk to me like family.” That matters.
In the trenches, Notre Dame is eyeing elite defensive lineman Mason McKinley out of the Carolinas. At 6-foot-4 and already 260 pounds, McKinley has the frame and motor to be an impact player at the next level. His early film shows strong hands, a quick first step, and a relentless approach—traits that align with what defensive line coach Al Washington covets. McKinley comes from a military family, and his structured upbringing has helped him handle early recruiting attention with maturity. Notre Dame’s emphasis on personal development and academic excellence aligns with his values, giving them a real shot here even as SEC programs circle.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Jalen Wright from Florida is generating a lot of buzz. Wright is explosive, twitchy, and electric with the ball in his hands. He’s been clocked at sub-4.5 in the 40-yard dash and has a basketball background that shows in his body control and leaping ability. Notre Dame has had mixed results recruiting the Sunshine State in recent cycles, but Wright could be an exception. He’s already taken an unofficial visit and came away impressed with Notre Dame’s facilities and family culture. Wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey has built early trust with Wright’s camp, and the Irish are quietly confident in their standing.
Don’t overlook the importance of building from within the trenches, and on the offensive line, few players in the 2027 class have more upside than Jackson Henry out of the Midwest. A 6-foot-6 mauler with nimble feet and a mean streak, Henry fits the classic mold of a Notre Dame tackle. He’s long admired the program’s tradition of producing NFL linemen and has spoken openly about his admiration for former Irish standouts like Quenton Nelson and Ronnie Stanley. Notre Dame has a geographic edge here, but the competition is heating up quickly. Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin have all offered, and Alabama has begun sniffing around. Still, the Irish were early to the table and are hoping that matters in the long run.
Last but certainly not least is a rising star in the secondary: cornerback Tyrese Calhoun from Georgia. He’s long, fluid, and confident, with elite change-of-direction skills and a fearless approach to press coverage. Calhoun may end up as a national top-10 player by the time all is said and done. Notre Dame defensive backs coach Mike Mickens has already visited his high school and made an early impression. Calhoun hasn’t tipped his hand much in terms of favorites, but multiple recruiting insiders have said Notre Dame is “squarely in the top group” thanks to early outreach and strong relationships with the staff.
What all six of these players have in common—beyond elite athletic ability—is a mutual interest in what Notre Dame offers beyond football. That’s not by accident. Freeman’s staff is selective in who they pursue early. They want kids who understand the full package: education, development, and legacy.
This strategy has already paid off in previous classes. Notre Dame’s 2025 group is loaded with high-character, high-upside talent. The 2026 class is tracking similarly, with several top-100 recruits already committed. Now the 2027 class is the next test—a test of vision, patience, and persistence in an increasingly chaotic recruiting landscape.
It’s worth noting that Notre Dame’s early approach to the 2027 cycle is also a response to changes in the recruiting calendar. With verbal offers now going out earlier and earlier, programs that wait risk falling behind. Notre Dame is adapting without compromising its principles. They’re not making empty offers or engaging in flashy hype videos. They’re putting in the work: traveling, building trust, evaluating tape, and communicating expectations with honesty.
It’s not just about talent evaluation anymore. It’s about message consistency, brand identity, and emotional resonance. Freeman and his staff understand that the best players want more than just gear and social media clout. They want to play somewhere that will elevate them—as players, students, and men. That’s what Notre Dame is selling, and that’s what these six prospects are responding to.
As the months go on and the evaluation period continues, more names will rise. Others will fade. But these six recruits—Lockhart, Rhodes, McKinley, Wright, Henry, and Calhoun—represent the foundation of what Notre Dame is trying to build in the 2027 class. Each has the potential to be a cornerstone. Each represents a chance to send a message to the rest of college football: Notre Dame is not waiting around for change—they’re driving it.
The Irish still face stiff competition. Programs with bigger NIL budgets, easier admissions paths, or recent playoff appearances may try to lure these prospects elsewhere. But Notre Dame is betting on relationships, legacy, and long-term value. It’s not always the easiest path—but for many, it’s the most rewarding one.
In the end, recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint. But as the race for 2027 heats up, Notre Dame has positioned itself in the front pack. The only question now is how many of these early targets will choose the Golden Dome as the place to chase greatness.
