Notre Dame separating themselves for a five-star athlete who has game breaking potential on either side of the football 

Head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football are making a strong push for another elite recruiting target.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the College Football Playoff game between Notre Dame and Indiana.

Even while Notre Dame football was busy solidifying a stellar transfer portal class, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish have been continuing their impact on the recruiting trail. Over the last several weeks, they have done a tremendous job with elite 2027 Glassboro (N.J.) High School athlete Xavier Sabb, widely considered one of the best players in the entire country. There is nothing but positive vibes between the Irish and New Jersey star right now.

In a piece that was released by Steve Wiltfong from On3 and Rivals, he went in-depth on Sabb’s recruitment right now. That included Notre Dame, a team that is reportedly separating itself. The main competition is head coach Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks. Here is what Wiltfong had to say.

2027 4-star WR Xavier Sabb

Xavier Sabb keeps his recruitment quiet, but two programs have started to separate themselves — Notre Dame and Oregon. He had a strong first visit to South Bend in the fall and plans to return this spring. The Ducks have been steady from the start, and he’ll be back in Eugene on Jan. 31. A source close to the recruitment says both staffs have connected well with his family, and that’s been a major factor.

Sabb is one of those types of athletes that you take no matter what. His versatility and upside are tremendous, a big reason why Notre Dame is so high on him. The competition will be fierce, but the Irish have put themselves in a strong early standing. Freeman and Co. will need to be ready to battle until the end.

Xavier Sabb’s recruiting background

Sabb is considered to be a consensus top-100 recruit by each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, he currently ranks as a five-star player, including the No. 24 overall player, the No. 1 athlete, and the No. 1 player from the state of New Jersey for the 2027 recruiting class. 

Like his recruiting rankings, the New Jersey native also boasts an elite offer list. Some of Sabb’s top offers include the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, Ole Miss, USC, Florida State, Nebraska, Pitt, Kentucky, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Colorado, West Virginia, Rutgers, Syracuse, Duke, and Wake Forest, among several others. 

The 6-1, 180-pound athlete is a player who projects well to either side of the football. Sabb won the Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey as a junior. In 14 games, Sabb managed to haul in 59 receptions for 897 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also collected 15 total tackles and four interceptions, while returning a punt and a kick for touchdowns

Sabb is also a tremendous track and field athlete and basketball player for Glassboro High School. His overall athleticism pops off the screen in everything he does. This is a rare athlete who has game-breaking upside at multiple positions.

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