Notre Dame commit makes SEC visit that could shake up 2027 recruiting

While the Notre Dame football team has been on quite the run in the 2027 recruiting class, it recently showed that it's not totally unbeatable. Ellis McGaskin, one of its latest commitments, is at least looking elsewhere, recently taking a trip to check out Mississippi State.

McGaskin announced his visit on social media, and as it turns out, he got to see a heck of a game. While the Bulldogs didn't end up beating the Tennessee Volunteers, they gave the Vols all they could handle in a 41-34 overtime game that showed Mississippi State is indeed turning the corner.

Ellis McGaskin visits Mississippi State despite Notre Dame commitment

McGaskin is a highly productive and talented linebacker who racked up an impressive 130 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, four sacks, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles as a sophomore. He dominated as a freshman as well, registering 142 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. It's not hard to see why Notre Dame wanted him in the first place.

Nor is it hard to understand why schools are still coming after the 2027 prospect despite his commitment.

McGaskin is an athletic and instinctive linebacker. He's undersized at 6-1 and 200 pounds, but he packs a serious punch when he arrives at the football. McGaskin shows an excellent feel for the game; he makes quick reads, and he explodes downhill. His short-area quickness and power are as good as you'll see in the 2027 class. He's constantly around the football and is a highly disruptive defensive player. Landing a player like McGaskin – especially out of Alabama was an outstanding way to bolster the 2027 defensive class.

Now Notre Dame needs to find a way to keep him in the fold. The SEC will keep calling, especially since it's going to be quite a while until he can sign on the dotted line. The more visits he takes, the more chance there is that the Fighting Irish could lose their grip.