Notre Dame football has a critical chance on the horizon at a priority target from a very important recruiting area
An important recruiting visit is on the horizon for Notre Dame football.
When it comes to the 2027 recruiting class, Notre Dame football has long considered elite Tampa Bay (Fla.) Jesuit linebacker Kaden Henderson to be a major priority for the program. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish have done a tremendous job recruiting the linebacker positions in recent years. There is no reason to believe that it won’t continue under the direction of Brian Jean-Mary.
The next couple of months will determine just how strong of a chance that Notre Dame will have with Henderson in the end, a dynamic defender who is in extremely high demand. The Irish staff will be hosting Henderson for a return visit this spring, the final one that he has scheduled right now. Henderson will be heading back to South Bend on April 18.
The Florida native will also be visiting Miami (March 5 and April 16), Florida (March 7), Tennessee (March 21), Texas A&M (March 28), Florida State (April 2), Ohio State (April 4), and Alabama (April 9). With such an impressive group of programs pushing hard for Henderson, this isn’t going to be an easy recruitment. Getting the last spring visit potentially, however, is a positive sign.
As of today, Notre Dame has a fighter’s chance, but they are definitely not the favorite. Freeman and Co. will continue to push hard for him. That spring visit will need to be an extremely successful one to potentially win out when a decision does come.
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. 19 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 last several months.
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.
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