Top 2027 safety target picks Notre Dame over Ohio State, Miami, others

Notre Dame football lands priority defensive back target a few hours after the annual Blue & Gold game.

Notre Dame secured a major recruiting victory on Saturday evening when top safety Zayden Gamble announced his commitment to the Irish over Ohio State, Florida, and Miami. Gamble's decision comes after a quick update this past week where Gamble decided he was going to wrap up his recruitment.

Gamble, a Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas product, is rated as one of the top safety prospects in the 2027, No. 176 overall in the 247Sports Composite. His recruitment drew national attention because of both the caliber of the schools involved.

Not only does this give head coach Marcus Freeman another key win from the Sunshine state, but Gamble's commitment carries added weight because it continues the positive momentum built by new defensive backs coach Aaron Henry as he attempts to build on the historic run of development in the backfield department.

Gamble’s choice also came on a day when Notre Dame had already made a public football showcase of its own. The Blue & Gold Game took place Saturday afternoon at Notre Dame Stadium, with the offense edging the defense 41-40 on a walk-off field goal, adding to the day’s recruiting spotlight for the Irish.

For Notre Dame, the offseason momentum continues as they build up towards what could be one of the most meaningful seasons in recent memory. The Irish are already considered one of the betting favorites for the upcoming season, but with acquisitions like Gamble, they keep the pipeline filled with high-end talent.