Notre Dame landed a massive commitment from 5-star Albert Simien. Where does he rank amongst Marcus Freeman's biggest recruiting wins?
Notre Dame football landed 5-star Louisiana offensive lineman Albert Simien last week, and the commitment sent a clear message about the state of Fighting Irish recruiting under head coach Marcus Freeman . Simien, a top-15 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class, chose Notre Dame over Texas A&M and LSU in a recruitment the Irish would not have won in previous eras. With that massive addition fresh in mind, it felt like the right time to rank the 15 biggest recruiting victories of the Freeman era so far.
This is not a simple list of the highest-ranked players Freeman has signed. This is about context, about the battles Notre Dame had to win against programs with geographical advantages, NIL war chests, and deep-rooted ties to the recruits in question. These are the commitments that reflect the changing perception of Notre Dame recruiting.
Sesay could end up being one of the highest-ranked defensive ends Notre Dame has signed in years, but the Irish were the leader from start to finish. There was little drama heading into his decision. Still, landing a 6-5, 225-pound pass rusher with his upside is nothing to overlook.
The 5-star offensive tackle from New Jersey did not receive a Notre Dame offer until February. In a typical cycle, that late entry would disqualify the Irish from contention. Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph made up ground quickly, and the 6-6, 295-pound lineman committed this offseason. He profiles as the future left tackle after Will Black .
Notre Dame identified Black early when he was still considered a three-star by multiple platforms. The evaluation was so far ahead of the industry that when Black eventually earned five-star status, the commitment didn't feel like a massive upset. In hindsight, it was. Black is expected to start at left tackle in 2026.
Another player Notre Dame offered late, this time in late January. Schools like Miami and Texas Tech were heavily involved for the defensive tackle who plays his high school football only 90 minutes from campus. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge closed the deal on a player with the upside to become the best overall prospect in Notre Dame's 2027 class.
When former offensive line coach Harry Hiestand retired, Rudolph inherited the Lambert recruitment and had to close it. He delivered. Lambert started at right guard in 2025 and will shift to right tackle with significant room to grow.
Now over 300 pounds and playing defensive tackle, Burgess was recruited as a high-upside edge defender. He committed at the All-American Bowl, beating out Alabama in a recruitment many believed the Crimson Tide would win down the stretch.
At 6-5 and 205 pounds, O'Brien had the frame to play wide receiver or safety. Oregon pulled out all the stops, but Notre Dame outlasted the Ducks for one of the most physically gifted safeties the program has signed since Kyle Hamilton .
The 5-star from Illinois said little to the media during his recruitment, but Michigan was right there the entire time. Former offensive line coach Hiestand had to be locked in from start to finish. Health has been the only thing preventing Jagusah from reaching his ceiling, but when available, the talent is clear.
For months, Kansas State appeared to hold the upper hand. A massive visit flipped the momentum, and Notre Dame landed a 5-star tight end widely considered the most talented at the position since at least Michael Mayer . Premer enrolled this summer and is expected to contribute immediately.
A top-10 overall player and 5-star, Dunham drew interest from every major program in the country. Early relationship-building gave Notre Dame the foundation to close. His commitment represented the biggest recruiting win under former defensive line coach Al Washington .
Most assumed the California native would stay home and play for USC. A coaching change at the position opened the door for Notre Dame to swoop in late. With linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa returning from injury this fall, Faraimo's role should expand.
Michigan had the family connection, but Notre Dame led from start to finish. Former quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees orchestrated a masterful recruitment for a player who should have earned five-star status. Heading into 2026, Carr is considered one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
It looked all but certain Villamoasa would end up at Ohio State . Then a religious retreat provided a weekend of clarity that steered him to South Bend. At 6-3, 230 pounds, he has become one of the more dynamic linebackers in college football and is expected to take another leap when healthy.
Notre Dame was the assumed leader early, but Oregon and Texas A&M threw significant resources at flipping Love throughout his recruitment and even after he arrived on campus. The Irish held firm and landed one of the best running backs in program history .
Call it recency bias if you want. Texas A&M had a massive offer on the table and would have gone to extreme lengths to land a player of Simien's caliber. LSU wanted him desperately out of their home state. Notre Dame won anyway, securing a top-15 overall player and arguably the most talented interior offensive lineman the program has signed in a very long time. The recruiting job by Rudolph was exceptional, and the commitment itself is the clearest evidence yet that Notre Dame can compete with anyone on the trail.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Notre Dame football's 15 biggest recruiting wins under HC Marcus Freeman, ranked after latest 5-star commitment
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