The Notre Dame football team took a big step in landing 4-star defensive back Gavin Williams earlier this week. Now the Fighting Irish need to show him why South Bend is where he should call home once it's time to sign on the dotted line.
On Thursday, the safety announced the five schools that are his top choices. In addition to the Irish, Williams chose Washington, UCLA, USC, and Texas A&M as his favorite programs.
Notre Dame still has its work cut out for it with Gavin Williams, obviously. The No. 13 safety and No. 13 player in the state of California, according to Rivals, is clearly looking closely at staying on the West Coast. Of course, with the Irish and Texas A&M in the mix, he's hardly dead set on staying close to his La Verne, California, roots.
La Verne (Calif.) Damien DB Gavin Williams cut his list to five and locked in all of his official trips https://t.co/OVqg99OZaS pic.twitter.com/EbY6PjXlfP
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) February 20, 2026
Notre Dame football makes Gavin Williams’ top five as he schedules summer visits
Notre Dame just wrapped up a heck of a 2026 recruiting class, turning in a Top 5 showing out of the high school ranks. Now they're working on turning in a similar showing in the 2027 class.
The Irish have been named among the favorites and front-runners for several prospects in the last couple of weeks. The timing isn't a coincidence. Plenty of prospects are looking at setting their spring and summer plans and are looking at the schools they'll continue to talk with and visit.
Williams is one of those locking in his visits. Hewill start with UCLA on May 15, before checking out Washington on May 29, Texas A&M on June 5, USC on June 12, and Notre Dame on June 19.
The Notre Dame coaching staff has to be licking its chops at having the final visit of the quintet. Marcus Freeman and new secondary coach Aaron Henry will have a chance to make a closing argument just ahead of June's quiet period.