Notre Dame football has had a strong couple of weeks on the recruiting side, adding several top targets to its potentially elite 2027 class. This offseason has gifted them the likes of defensive tackle David Folorunsho, offensive tackle Olu Olubobola, and safety Zayden Gamble, among several others. More good news appears to be on the horizon for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish.

One of the biggest remaining targets for Notre Dame heading into official visitor season is 2027 Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas star wide receiver Julius Jones Jr., who is a legacy target for the program. There had been a tentative commitment date for Jones for the end of June, but that was solidified this week. The talented pass catcher will be making his commitment on June 23, where he will select between the Fighting Irish, Oregon, and Miami.

That decision date will come less than two weeks after Jones’ official visit to South Bend on June 11-13, which is a great sign. As of today, Notre Dame is the leader for Jones. If he ended up with anyone other than the Fighting Irish, it would be considered a massive upset, unless something unforeseen and drastic happens late.

Julius Jones Jr.’s recruiting background

Jones is considered an outstanding recruit by the 247Sports Composite ranking. He sits as the No. 72 overall player, the No. 12 wide receiver, and the No. 8 player in the state of Florida for the 2027 recruiting class. We are talking about a potentially elite player from a hotbed of talent, and a legacy player to make things even better.

Even from a young age, Jones had attracted the attention of some outstanding programs. That has only increased after a stellar junior year. Some of his top offers so far include the Fighting Irish, LSU, Ole Miss, Miami, Florida, Penn State, Texas A&M, Auburn, Ole Miss, Florida State, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Washington, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Colorado, NC State, UCLA, Syracuse, and Purdue, among many others.

On an extremely talented and deep St. Thomas Aquinas team, Jones became the top option at a younger age. In 13 games as a sophomore in 2024, Jones hauled in 51 receptions for 750 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 14.7 yards per catch despite playing against some of the best competition in the entire country.

In 14 games this past season, the junior hauled in 58 receptions for 876 yards and 14 touchdowns. The 5-11, 175-pound pass catcher led the team in each category, and by a wide margin. Jones had also increased his yards per catch average to 15.1, showing the ability to create a ton of big plays.