One of the most interesting tidbits about Notre Dame football recruiting in the latest cycles is how often they've squared off against Penn State. That's happening again, this time with one of the best quarterbacks in the 2027 class in Teddy Jerrard.
Following the lead of other top players in his class, Jerrard is about to announce his commitment early on in his recruitment. He's picking his school later this week despite his early signing day not here until December of next year.
Notre Dame football recruiting: Teddy Jarrard decision looms in showdown with Penn State
When he does announce the school he's picking, it comes down to Notre Dame football, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State ... and Penn State. All of those programs are among the biggest and best in the country. So why is this contest down to the Irish and Nittany Lions?
That stems from Jarrard recently taking a visit to Happy Valley and coming away from it talking about how "James Franklin is different." It's one of the most effusive comments he's made about any coach. That's despite him being considered a Notre Dame lean by several recruiting analysts.
Should Marcus Freeman once again beat Franklin head to head in a recruiting battle, it would mean getting a quarterback who, as a sophomore last season, played at North Cobb Christian where he completed 71.8% of his passes, throwing for 2,647 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
As a freshman, Jarrard completed 59% of his passes, throwing for 2,065 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
When Teddy Jarrard pulls the trigger on July 24, it's looking like the Notre Dame football team will win the showdown. And when it does, it will mean they beat Penn State and James Franklin one more time.