Notre Dame landed a massive commitment from high upside Rabun Gap (Ga.) Nacoochee defensive lineman Segun Alexander on Tuesday. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish were able to close on Alexander over Texas A&M, and an elite overall offer list. Originally a member of the 2028 recruiting class, Alexander reclassified this offseason and quickly became a player that defensive line coach Charlie Partridge wanted.

With Alexander now in the class, let’s take a look at who could be next in the 2027 class for the Fighting Irish, as well as some early 2028 names to know. There aren’t a ton of names remaining for the former, but some incredibly important ones are out there. Here is my prediction for the next five commitments.

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

Notre Dame just put together a massive official visit this past weekend with Simien, who is considered to be a five-star player in the 2027 recruiting class. There is some confidence on the sides of Texas A&M and LSU, but I do believe that the Fighting Irish staff did enough to get this one done following that visit. Simien comes from a family that values relationships and high academic standards. That could very much play into their favor in the end.

LB Roman Igwebuike – Chicago (Ill.) Mount Carmel 

Notre Dame didn’t have much momentum early, but that has changed under linebacker coach Brian Jean-Mary, even with the Henderson news last week. They are going to have to beat out Clemson, Tennessee, and Indiana, but I believe they can after what they accomplished during the official visit two weekends ago. The 6-3, 220-pound defender brings some insane versatility to play in the middle of a defense, while also rushing off the edge. They need to finish, but I think they will. 

DT Brayden Parks – Chicago (Ill.) Brother Rice

The recruitment for Parks has been a wild ride up until this point. Oregon has made things difficult multiple times, but the latest feedback strongly favors the Fighting Irish, especially after his official visit to South Bend a couple of weekends ago. Notre Dame will have to finish strong, but they clearly value the 6-3, 305-pound defensive tackle at a high level. Freeman and Co. are hard to win against down the stretch. I am not betting against them often this time of the year. 

QB Trey Tagliaferri (2028) – Oradell (NJ) Bergen Catholic

While all the attention was on the 2027 class this weekend, Tagliaferri being on campus went a little under the radar. The trip to South Bend has become a popular one for the New Jersey native, and Notre Dame is quickly becoming the unquestioned leader for the talented signal caller. I wouldn’t be shocked if Tagliaferri decides to make a decision in the near future. And if he does, the Fighting Irish should be considered the leader.

TE Jack McNamara (2028) – Chicago (Ill.) Brother Rice

While Notre Dame has had some mixed results in Chicago recently, McNamara has quickly become a player that they want in the 2028 recruiting class. At 6-5 and 235 pounds, he is a very talented athlete at the tight end position with all the upside in the world. There hasn’t been a firm timeline given from McNamara yet, but with the 2027 recruiting class slowly winding down, don’t be surprised if the Irish staff starts making a strong push for several members of the 2028 class.