Notre Dame was once considered to be the frontrunner for a 4-star recruiting target who just set a commitment date
A long-time Notre Dame recruiting target has finally set a commitment date. Where do things stand for the Fighting Irish?
Ever since offensive line coach Joe Rudolph came to Notre Dame, he has recruited on a very high level. Things aren’t changing for the 2027 recruiting class, where head coach Marcus Freeman, Rudolph, and the Fighting Irish have already landed commitments from James Halter and Richie Flanigan. There appears to be a lot of great news on the horizon.
That includes what many thought was a good sign from 2027 St. Joseph (Ill.) Ogden offensive tackle Cameron Wagner this week, who has set his commitment date for May 11. Wagner will be choosing between Notre Dame, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Illinois on the Pat McAfee Show. The Irish have been viewed as the clear frontrunner for a while now, but that has shifted recently.
For a very long time, the Illinois native has been viewed as a strong lean toward the Fighting Irish. They have had such a strong lead, but for whatever reason, he never pulled the trigger. It appears that things have shifted towards Oregon heading into the decision, and there is a reason for that.
With Notre Dame also being in a great position with Layton von Brandt and five-star Oluwasemilore Olubobola, this is a decision that is more coming from the Irish side, it seems. The program is also pushing hard for Louisiana standout Albert Simien, another five-star player in the class. Wagner is a good football player, but clearly, the Irish are going big game hunting.
Cameron Wagner’s recruiting background
Wagner is considered to be a four-star player on each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Wagner is rated as the No. 345 overall player, the No. 36 offensive tackle, and the No. 13 player from the state of Illinois in the 2027 recruiting class. Keeping talented players from the Chicagoland area has become increasingly important for Freeman and the Irish staff, but some higher upside options changed that formula.
It isn’t too much of a surprise that there has been a long list of impressive suitors who have pursued Wagner. The Illinois native holds offers from the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Oregon, Ole Miss, Florida, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida State, Auburn, Nebraska, Iowa, UNC, Louisville, Indiana, Boston College, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Purdue, among others.
At 6-6, 300 pounds, Wagner has an impressive blend of size and athleticism. With his requisite length and foot quickness, it should provide the Illinois standout an opportunity to stick at offensive tackle. Wagner also has the demeanor and power profile to play inside at guard. That versatility is something that Rudolph has valued tremendously in the past, which is a reason why they recruited him for so long.