An SEC program looks like it could be the thorn in the side for Notre Dame’s push to land multiple 5-star recruiting targets
What is the latest with multiple top Notre Dame 2027 recruiting targets? There is one SEC team that could cause some headaches.
Notre Dame football is in the midst of assembling an elite 2027 recruiting class. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish are getting set for official visitor season, which will determine just how great this 2027 group can become. There are multiple five-star recruiting targets still out there.
Freeman and Co. have already closed on Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep offensive tackle Oluwasemilore Olubobola, a talented recruit rated as a five-star player in the 247 Sports Composite ranking. Other talented commits have a chance to finish with that honor as well, including defensive tackle David Folorunsho and cornerback Xavier Hasan. A couple of the remaining five-stars that the Irish are pushing for include Tampa Bay (Fla.) Jesuit linebacker Kaden Henderson and Lake Charles (La.) Sam Houston offensive lineman Albert Simien.
Heading into the extremely busy months of June and July, Notre Dame is considered to be one of the main contenders for each of those players. In a recent report from Rivals recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong, both Henderson and Simien were mentioned. Wiltfong commented that he currently likes the Texas A&M Aggies for each player, which would be massive news for head coach Mike Elko.
Heading into the official visit season, I can’t push back a ton on Wiltfong’s report. The Aggies have been considered the leader for Henderson for some time, but the Irish staff has refused to concede, and you never know what could happen. The battle for Simien is much closer in my opinion, and I believe that he could end up in either South Bend or College Station, and I wouldn’t be overly shocked.
As we have seen over the last couple of years, Freeman and the Irish staff have an absurd closing rate when they get targets to campus for official visits. If Henderson and Simien make the trip, Notre Dame will have a shot at both players in the end. For now, it appears that there is some momentum on the side of Elko and the Aggies.
Henderson’s recruiting background
Henderson is considered to be a four-star player by each of the major recruiting platforms currently. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Henderson is rated as a five-star, the No. 24 overall player, the No. 1 linebacker, and the No. 3 player from the state of Florida for the 2027 recruiting class right now. He has been one of the biggest risers in the class over the offseason.
While his recruiting rankings are elite, Henderson’s offer list might be even better. With over 40 offers already, Henderson is not without a long list of impressive options. Some of his top offers include the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Tennessee, Florida, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, USC, Clemson, Miami, Auburn, Florida State, Missouri, South Carolina, Nebraska, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, SMU, Wisconsin, Pitt, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, Baylor, UNC, Syracuse, UCF, Duke, and Kansas, among others.
Despite missing some time as a junior, Henderson was able to make his impact known on the Jesuit defense. In 10 games, the 6-1.5, 218-pound defender managed to collect 49 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. Henderson added another 20 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a blocked punt.
Albert Simien’s recruiting background
Simien is considered to be at least a four-star and top-50 overall player by each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Simien currently ranks as a five-star, the No. 13 overall player, the No. 2 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 2 player from the state of Louisiana for the 2027 recruiting class.
Just like his recruiting rankings, Simien’s offer list is elite. Some of the top programs that have offered him include the Fighting Irish, Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Florida, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida State, Nebraska, TCU, West Virginia, Arkansas, UNC, Baylor, SMU, and Houston, among others.