Now that Notre Dame has locked down one of the best offensive linemen in the class in Albert Simien, it’s time to identify who might be next to pull the trigger. Whoever it is could be among the last targets in the 2027 class to do so, as Marcus Freeman and Co. tend to fill their class in the spring and summer, then spend the next few months wrapping things up, focusing on the next class, and making sure their commitments stay their commitments.
That said, two defensive Irish targets could be pulling the trigger on a pledge to the Golden Domers very soon, and if both do so, it’s hard to argue that Freeman’s staff hasn’t put together the best class in the 2027 cycle.
Of the two uncommitted prospects who look most likely to eventually pull the trigger for Notre Dame, it feels as though 4-star linebacker Roman Igwebuike is the most likely to do it very soon. Earlier this weekend, On3 analyst Steve Wiltfong said that he believes the Mount Carmel (Chicago, IL) defender is very, very close to making his pledge.
Igwebuike is the No. 134-ranked player in the class, the No. 10 linebacker, and the No. 7 player in the state of Illinois according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. He’s also amassed more than 40 offers and in addition to the Irish coming after him hard, he’s been pursued by Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Miami, USC, Florida, Auburn, Florida State, Nebraska, Arizona State, Arkansas, Louisville, Iowa State, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Minnesota, NC State, Mississippi State, Maryland, Illinois, Kansas State, Syracuse, Boston College, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin, Washington, West Virginia, Baylor, Kansas, and Purdue, among others.
Marcus Freeman is still chasing another major defensive prize
His final five schools are Notre Dame, Clemson, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee. However, it looks likely that there really is only one school left at this point.
Brayden Parks is a bit of a question. The Fighting Irish are certainly in the mix in a big way, but the Oregon Ducks have put up one heck of a fight. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder also has more than 40 teams pursuing him. In addition to the Irish, he has offers from Oregon, Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, LSU, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, and many more.
Ranked as the No. 166 overall player, the No. 18 defensive tackle in the class, and the No. 9 player in the state of Illinois, the Brother Rice player would be one heck of a feather in Marcus Freeman’s cap as Notre Dame closes out its 2027 class.
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