5-star OL locks in Notre Dame visit as the Irish battle for the elite 2027 prospect

The 2027 recruiting cycle is starting to heat up as recruits have begun to set official and unofficial visits with their top programs. Marcus Freeman has been putting in the work at Notre Dame as he always does, and already has the Irish ranked No. 4 in the team rankings, according to 247Sports.

Freeman is narrowing in on a big-time recruit, five-star interior offensive lineman Albert Simien, who recently became a new five-star in Rivals' latest rankings release. He is ranked as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in the Class of 2027 and the No. 2 player in the state of Louisiana.

Simien recently confirmed he is taking a three-day visit to South Bend from March 20 through March 22. Simien is being recruited by many top programs such as Nebraska, Texas A&M, Florida, and others, and now Freeman will get his chance to secure a commitment from another top prospect.

5-star OL Albert Simien is a must get for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame

Simien is one prospect that many programs are after, and it makes sense that Freeman is high on the elite recruit. His size and run-blocking ability makes his a desirable offensive lineman, as well as his balance and ability to protect the quarterback from any side.

Freeman is set to lose some key pieces on his offensive line in the coming seasons, so having someone who has the ability to step right into a role when he gets on campus would be desirable. Simien has the ability if he were to pick the Irish.

Notre Dame will hope for an official visit with Simien after this three-day trip to South Bend, and after that, a commitment.