The 2026 recruiting class was an elite one for Notre Dame football, but it appears that they have every intention to try to outdo themselves in 2027. The last several weeks have been impressive, but the good news for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. That includes this week.

In the 2026 class, Notre Dame managed to sign three players who ranked as five-stars on the 247 Sports Composite ranking – defensive end Rodney Dunham, cornerback Khary Adams, and safety Joey O’Brien. There is a lot of work to be done, but there is a legitimate chance that the Irish could sign even more five-star players in the 2027 class, when all is said and done. Several of their top commits and targets are already flirting with that five-star status.

For context, the No. 39 overall player on the composite ranking is ranked as a five-star player right now. Here are those in that range, and several just outside of it.

The hunt for 5-star recruits

Here are the Notre Dame commits and key targets who sit inside of five-star status on the 247 Sports Composite ranking.

OT Oluwasemilore Olubobola – Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep 

Olubobola is set to make his commitment on Tuesday, selecting between Notre Dame, Texas A&M, and Miami. The Fighting Irish are the clear leader to land the 6-6, 290-pound offensive tackle. Although Notre Dame has recruited the offensive line position incredibly well over the last several years, Olubobola has a clear argument as the most talented, assuming that Joe Rudolph is able to land him this week.

DT Marcus Fakatou – Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon 

At 6-6 and 275 pounds, Fakatou is a freaky athlete who has demanded the attention of pretty much every elite program in college football. Fakatou was originally a member of the 2028 recruiting class before reclassifying to 2027. Despite that move, the California native sits as the No. 32 player on the composite ranking. The Fighting Irish are battling with Ohio State. This will be a very important next couple of months in this recruitment.

IOL Albert Simien – Lake Charles (La.) uaa as Sam Houston 

Simien currently ranks as the No. 13 overall player on the composite ranking. While many would believe that LSU is the firm leader for Simien, I am led to believe that just isn’t true. The Tigers will certainly have a chance with Simien, but there isn’t a deep allegiance to LSU in their family. Notre Dame and Texas A&M are firmly in the running for the 6-4, 280-pound offensive lineman. The next several weeks will be vitally important.

Other borderline 5-star targets 

Here are the Notre Dame commits and top targets who are currently outside of five-star status on the 247 Sports Composite ranking. I believe that things could change rather quickly.

CB Xavier Hasan – Raleigh (NC) Cardinal Gibbons 

Hasan has been in the class for a minute now, and people haven’t appreciated his presence enough. Boasting 10.5 100-meter speed and tremendous technique, Hasan is the type of player who can fight for early playing time. Being able to keep Hasan in the class is huge for defensive backs coach Aaron Henry. Hasan currently ranks at No. 41 overall, just outside of the five-star range.

DT David Folorunsho – Chicago (Ill.) St. Patrick

Currently sitting at No. 43 on the composite ranking, the folks over at Rivals believe that Folorunsho is a top-10 overall player in the 2027 class. At 6-4 and 285 pounds, the Chicago native plays on the edge a ton for St. Patrick. His game, however, projects best on the inside for the long-term future. Folorunsho is set to make his college decision on Friday, and I like the Irish over Miami right now.

EDGE Abraham Sesay – Exton (Pa.) Downingtown East 

I wouldn’t be shocked to see Sesay firmly in the five-star area rather than being No. 5o on the composite ranking in the end. The 6-5, 225-pound pass rusher is a dynamic athlete with all the upside in the world. Notre Dame is battling with Penn State for Sesay, but I like the Irish. This is a player that the Irish offense has loved for quite some time.

WR Osani Gayles – Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 

Coming in as the No. 48 overall player on the ranking, Gayles has a strong chance to fight for five-star status when it is all said and done. Notre Dame is battling the likes of Alabama, Tennessee, and USC for the talented pass catcher. While I wouldn’t put money on the Irish right now, the Notre Dame staff isn’t going away. Gayles’ combination of big-play ability and upside as a separator makes sense why the team likes him so much.