Notre Dame may have an advantage for 5-star DL that Ohio State and others don't

If it seems like nothing but good news is coming in for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame recruiting wise, you're not alone in thinking that. The Fighting Irish have been on a heater to start the new month and there are plenty of top targets still to go after.

The long list of course includes 5-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou, who just trimmed things down to five finalists. While Freeman is making an impact on the youngster, defensive line coach Charlie Partridge has been turning his head quite a bit too. So much in fact, Partridge could be 'on the cusp' of helping Notre Dame be the new leader ahead of his decision later this year:

Notre Dame has made the final list for elite 5-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou

After spending the past two seasons with the Colts, Partridge recently joined Notre Dame and he's quickly working to make a big-time impact for Freeman out on the recruiting trail. If he does help Notre Dame come out on top here, it would be unreal for the program.

It's of course not going to be easy, though. In addition to Notre Dame, Fakatou has Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon and Texas as his other finalists. The Buckeyes have been pushing hard of late, as Ryan Day doesn't want to see him commit elsewhere.

Notre Dame has other ideas, and the fact that Partridge is making such a difference could prove to be gold once Fakatou ends up shutting things down. Per the 247Sports Composite, the 6-6, 275-pounder is ranked five stars, the No. 2 DL in the country and No. 32 player nationally for the 2027 class.

Throughout his recruitment, the Notre Dame target has picked up a total of 36 offers - yeah, he's a wanted man. Thus far, Freeman and the Irish have reeled in 14 commits for the '27 haul and that number is only going to grow with a busy official visit season around the corner. Will Fakatou end up picking the Irish? Fans sure hope so.

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