Ace Alston, one of the top cornerbacks in the 2027 class, has committed to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over Ohio State, USC, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan and a host of other schools. He made his announcement during a live-streaming broadcast on CBS Sports HQ.
Alston's pledge continues a hot run on the trail for Notre Dame. The Irish received a commitment from linebacker Amarri Irvin on Monday and now Alston becomes the eighth member of the 2027 recruiting class.
BREAKING: Four-Star CB Ace Alston has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 9, 2025
The 5’11 180 CB chose the Fighting Irish over Missouri, Indiana, & Ohio State
“South Bend Acemoney is on his way🏡”https://t.co/6FDjxR0GeG pic.twitter.com/qxpm81aZd2
The coaches made the difference for Alston
Alston told 247Sports' Tom Loy that he informed the Notre Dame coaches of his decision a couple of weeks ago. He mentioned head coach Marcus Freeman and assistants Mike Mickens and Jevaughn Codlin as the coaches he was closest to throughout the recruiting process.
"It's the things that Coach Freeman's got going on. Coach Mickens, coach J-Cod, all of those coaches poured a lot in me. They taught me a lot and everything they have going on, I want to be a part of it," Alston said. "They preach life after football. They preach winning on the footfield field and winning off the football field. And I want to be successful in the long run."
Alston had a chance to watch Mickens in action coaching the defensive backs during the spring and added that he wanted to be part of that room.
An additional surprise for Alston
After Alston made his decision, he got an additional surprise from family friend and ESPN personality and analyst Kendrick Perkins. The former NBA player is a family friend and jumped on the broadcast to offer his support and congratulations.
"I was over here watching that video and I cried so much, I just drowned myself," Perkins said. "This is a special moment, embrace it. It's just the beginning nephew. The hard work paid off. And you know what I'm going to say, there's more to come and you make sure you stay on their [butts] like back pockets."
Alston is projected to be one of the top players in Ohio for the 2027 recruiting cycle and was a major target for Notre Dame over the past year.