The 2027 recruiting trail is heating up, and no one is better at getting guys on campus than Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. With seven recruits already committed to the Irish, it feels like Freeman is just getting started.
The Irish already have the No. 4-ranked recruiting class in 2027, according to 247Sports, and it feels like that ranking is bound to go up. While Freeman is always high on bringing in guys not committed, he doesn't shy away from trying to flip other already committed recruits.
For one Texas commit, Freeman is making his move with his latest offer, and things could take a turn quickly for the Longhorns.
Marcus Freeman offers 3-star Texas commit Karnell James Jr.
Notre Dame offered three-star cornerback Karnell James Jr., a recruit already committed to Texas, but until a letter of intent is signed, he is free game. James made his commitment to Texas back in December of 2025, but he hasn't completely closed down his recruitment.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Notre Dame.#AGTG @AaronHenry7 @JourdanBlake_ @SWiltfong_ @GregBiggins @adamgorney @TheUCReport @BrandonHuffman @TomLoy247 @MikeRoach247 @jackson_dip @CoachKirkMartin @jeffries_jacob @CAT_TAKEOVER @EarlGill10 @Jalil_Johnson21… pic.twitter.com/pDqZvtJd5L
— 3 ⭐️ Greedy (Karnell) James Jr (@Greedyjames7) February 24, 2026
Right now, James only has an official visit set with Texas on June 19, but that could all change the closer we get to the thick of recruiting season. New Notre Dame defensive backs coach Aaron Henry is trying to make a splash when it comes to recruiting, and flipping James could be a big play for the Irish.
Notre Dame isn't the only school after James, as the Irish will be battling other top programs such as Florida, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and others. It won't be an easy flip with James being verbally committed for nearly 15 months.