One day after the Notre Dame football team scored commitments from a 2027 wide receiver and 2028 defensive back, Marcus Freeman and Co. landed themselves a monster 2027 defensive tackle in the form of Segun Alexander. In the process, the Fighting Irish nabbed one of the best remaining uncommitted defensive linemen and managed to beat an old foe in Clemson while doing it.
Alexander announced his commitment to the Irish on Tuesday afternoon. That announcement was an unscheduled one, though it was clear that the experts believed that when he did make his pledge, it would be to Freeman’s squad.
By securing Segun Alexander, Notre Dame also grabbed itself a player who just entered the 2027 cycle. The 4-star defensive tackle had been a member of the 2028 class, but reclassified in May. That will allow him to reach campus a year earlier than previously expected, and, with the 5-years-to-play-5 rule passing on Tuesday as well, he will still have plenty of time to develop at the next level, should he need any additional seasoning.
Early reports were that he would stay in the South, but Notre Dame made him a priority. It wasn't until his official visit that Notre Dame became the team to beat, and quickly closed the deal of this talented interior defender. Beating teams like Texas A&M and Clemson makes this pickup even more impressive for the Irish. That win over the Aggies, especially, has to be pretty satisfying considering the Irish lost out on 5-star linebacker Kaden Henderson to Mike Elko’s squad just last week.
Segun Alexander gives Notre Dame football recruiting win over Texas A&M and Clemson
In the Rivals Industry Ranking, Alexander is ranked as the No. 397 player nationally, No. 42 at his position, and No. 46 in the state of Georgia. The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School product has demonstrated he can be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Last season, he logged 36 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 19 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Those numbers likely played a part in the star defender's decision to move to the next level.
But why did he pick Notre Dame over Texas A&M or Clemson? Turns out the Irish had a “dealbreaker” he simply couldn’t ignore.
"For me, I would say the dealbreaker was the people," Alexander told Irish Sports Daily shortly after his commitment. "I feel like when I go there, I won't be just developed on the field, but off the field. I'll become a better man, a better human being, and a better father. I also know that the education there is great, so I'll be set for life after football, which is really important to me.”
"I just felt at home when I visited. I feel like it was like a second home to me that I could be there and thrive in."
With Notre Dame’s third commitment in two days, the Fighting Irish might not be done this week yet. On Friday, 5-star offensive lineman Albert Simien will announce his school of choice. While most believe Freeman’s squad is a long shot, they are considered one of his three true finalists.
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