The 5-for-5 rule has reshaped college football eligibility, and Notre Dame’s 2027 roster could look dramatically different depending on how several Fighting Irish players approach their newfound options.

The new rule grants current and future players five seasons of college football, eliminating the redshirt loopholes and complex eligibility structures that defined the sport over the last several years. For Notre Dame, that means five players entering their fourth year of eligibility in 2026 will face a decision that previous generations never had to make: chase the NFL dream or take advantage of NIL income and one more season in South Bend.

This conversation does not include players like quarterback CJ Carr, who will be a redshirt sophomore and already had a clear path to additional eligibility. It also does not include someone like Keon Keeley or Adon Shuler, redshirt juniors whose redshirt was already intact regardless of the new rule. The five players below never redshirted and are heading into their fourth year of eligibility with a de facto fifth-year option on the table.

WR Jordan Faison

Faison is the leading returning receiver for Notre Dame heading into 2026 and is expected to be a huge cog in the passing attack alongside Carr. Originally a lacrosse player who walked onto the football team, Faison quickly proved he belonged as a true freshman. Over the last three years, he has become a vital piece of the offense and enters the season with draftable grades across the NFL.

At 5-10, 185 pounds, Faison is a very good college player with very real NFL potential to make a roster for a long time. His 2026 production will go a long way toward determining which direction he leans — whether he kicks off that next adventure or takes advantage of the additional season.

S Luke Talich

Talich might be the most likely returnee in 2027. With Adon Shuler most likely heading to the NFL after 2026 and redshirt sophomore Tae Johnson receiving high spring grades from NFL evaluators, there is a real possibility that Notre Dame loses both starting safeties after this season. Talented youngsters like Ethan Long and Joey O’Brien are in the pipeline, but the Irish might have significant interest in bringing Talich back.

At 6-4, 210 pounds, Talich has been a valuable member of the secondary since walking onto the team during the 2023 recruiting class and quickly earning a scholarship. If he wants the opportunity to showcase his talents as a starter in 2027 and bypass a chance to potentially be a late-round pick or priority free agent, hearing that option out would be a wise move.

CB Christian Gray

This one is probably unlikely, but Gray does have the option to return for a fifth year. His career has been up and down since arriving as a top-100 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class. There have been extremely high highs mixed with lows that have driven the Notre Dame fan base crazy.

If Gray has a big season, he is well-liked around the NFL for his body of work and talent level, making the professional route an easy choice. If he has another inconsistent year, however, returning could be beneficial, especially after transitioning to nickel this offseason. Having two years under his belt at a new position could be a strong selling point to NFL teams.

LB Drayk Bowen

Bowen is the heartbeat of Notre Dame’s defense and a multiple-year starter, but he sits in an interesting spot. The current draftable feedback places him as a mid-to-late Day 3 prospect in rounds four through seven. If that valuation holds, it might make sense to return, cash in on NIL opportunities for another year, and serve as a captain once again for the Fighting Irish.

It feels more than likely that Bowen tests the professional route after going into his third year as a starting linebacker. But it should not be out of the question that he at least eyes the possibility depending on what his final draftable feedback looks like.

DT Elijah Hughes

Hughes enters his true senior season after playing a ton for Notre Dame a year ago following his transfer from USC, where he spent two seasons. He is not going to be a star for the Irish in 2026, but he will be a valuable rotation player at defensive tackle. Hughes is the type of player who raises the floor for a room without necessarily propelling the ceiling. From a depth perspective, he could be an extremely valuable member of the group, and it would not be shocking at all if Hughes decides to come back for one additional season.