Notre Dame loses 4-star linebacker likely headed to the SEC

4-star linebacker Ellis McGaskin, who had been committed to Notre Dame since this summer, officially decommitted on Friday.

The defender, who is one of the top players in the 2027 class, has been hearing from several SEC schools after his commitment, and there has been a strong push from the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs of late.

The timing of the Notre Dame decommitment is especially interesting considering that McGaskin received an offer from Kirby Smart's crew earlier this week. Pair that with the Gators' latest pushes to get McGaskin on campus, and the prospect wants to keep his options very much open.

Florida and Georgia surge after Notre Dame decommitment by Ellis McGaskin

The linebacker hails from SEC country, playing football in Mobile (Ala.), and the draw to stay closer to home is always an issue for the Fighting Irish when they try to recruit south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Still, this a painful early loss for a Notre Dame team that entered the day with the No. 5 2027 recruiting class according to On3. His coach talked to Blue and Gold earlier in the year about what he offers to whatever team ends up being the victor in the recruiting battle.

"He diagnoses plays so fast that it allows him to play faster. He’s amazing to watch sometimes. He’s got a quick first step, so as soon as he sees the hole open up, it’s a tackle for loss every time. There are plays where he body slams kids sometimes. He’s getting there so fast. Athletically, his quick trigger and how fast he diagnoses plays are what make him such an elite-level linebacker."

With that in mind, Notre Dame is unlikely to back off on Ellis McGaskin and just let the SEC have him. The upside of his decommitment this early in the year is that there's plenty of time for Marcus Freeman and his staff to do damage control and get him back.