Notre Dame makes big move in team recruiting rankings after landing 5-star OT

Notre Dame Football - Marcus Freeman

Following a No. 2 overall finish in last year’s Rivals Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings, Notre Dame is looking to repeat with another elite crop in 2027.

The Fighting Irish came into the day ranked No. 10 nationally, but picked up a massive commitment from five-star offensive tackle Oluwasemilore Olubobola out of St. Peter’s (N.J.). A top-25 overall player in the class according to Rivals, Olubobola chose the Irish over Miami and Texas A&M, as well as more than 20 other Power 4 offers.

“What made Notre Dame right for me I got to say was the culture and standard they have for their players,” Olubobola told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong. “And the combination of academics and football. Notre Dame comes with a certain standard and respect because you’re going to be seen by a lot of people. Just the opportunities Notre Dame provides. The connections, the people there, it has a strong culture.”

He also became the first five-star commitment of the cycle for Marcus Freeman and Co., who signed a program-record three in the last class.

His addition to this class pushes ND ahead of both LSU and Oregon for the No. 8 spot in the team rankings, trailing just behind Florida, Ohio State and Miami.

Olubobola is already the 15th pledge for the Fighting Irish, who are behind only Oklahoma and UCLA in terms of sheer number of commitments. The group includes 12 blue-chip prospects (1 five-star and 11 four-stars), along with a trio of three-stars in safety John Gay III, wide receiver Jackson Coleman, and longsnapper Sean Kraft.