Notre Dame moves 1 step closer to landing the nation's No. 1 running back

There has been a lot of turmoil around the Notre Dame football program this week after being left out of the College Football Playoff and then opting out of the Pop-Tarts Bowl to end their 2025 season. Head coach Marcus Freeman is obviously upset with all of this, but he isn't letting it show when it comes to recruiting.

Notre Dame inked all 27 players that committed in the Class of 2026 before championship weekend, meaning not a single player flipped. That is not very typical for programs, which shows how much guys want to come and play for Freeman.

Well, with the 2026 class all signed, it is time to turn the attention to the transfer portal and the Class of 2027. It is no surprise that Notre Dame is already getting commitments this far in advance, as well as being put in the top choices of many elite recruits.

Five-star running back Kemon Spell has already narrowed his top choices down to five schools: Ohio State, USC, Miami, Georgia, and, of course, Notre Dame. Spell is the No. 1 running back in the Class of 2027 according to all the major recruiting rankings.

Notre Dame's running back success show recruits they can have success in South Bend

Notre Dame fans have sadly probably seen running back Jeremiyah Love in an Irish uniform for the last time, as fans are awaiting his announcement of heading to the NFL Draft. Love was the best running back in the country this season, and now has the chance to cap off an amazing season with a Heisman Trophy after recently being named a finalist.

That kind of success will certainly make an impact on future recruits, especially running back recruits, showing them that they can have success in South Bend, too. Kemon Spell could be the next Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame if he chooses the Irish.

Spell has announced his top five schools, but also said he will wait to make his official visits before he announces where he will commit.