Three burning questions for massive football recruiting week at Notre Dame.

The college football recruiting process has always been an exciting and sometimes tense period, as programs across the country aim to bring in the best talent to build future champions. For a program like Notre Dame, with its storied history, competitive environment, and loyal fanbase, recruiting is always a major focus. As the Irish approach one of their biggest recruiting weeks of the year, there are several key questions that fans, analysts, and coaches alike are eager to answer. With the massive recruiting week on the horizon, here are three burning questions that will dominate the conversation in South Bend, Indiana.

1. Can Notre Dame Secure a Top-Tier Quarterback Commitment?

One of the most critical positions in football is the quarterback. For Notre Dame, this question has taken on even greater significance as the program looks to secure its next long-term signal-caller. Head coach Marcus Freeman has made it clear that establishing a balanced, explosive offense is one of his top priorities, and a strong quarterback is at the heart of that plan. With the 2024 class looming large, the question is whether Notre Dame can land a top-tier quarterback in this recruiting cycle.

Current State of the Quarterback Room

As of now, Notre Dame has some solid options at quarterback. Sam Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest, will be the starting quarterback for the 2023 season, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reputation as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country. However, Hartman is a graduate transfer, meaning his time with the Fighting Irish is relatively short. With Hartman expected to leave after the 2023 season, the Irish need to focus on bringing in the next face of the franchise.

The backup situation is not as clear. While there are some promising young quarterbacks in the fold, there hasn’t been a clear-cut successor to Hartman named yet. This uncertainty only amplifies the importance of recruiting a top quarterback during this recruiting cycle.

Top Targets in 2024 Recruiting Class

Notre Dame has its eye on several highly touted quarterbacks in the 2024 class, including players who have the potential to come in and make an immediate impact. Among the most notable names are:

• CJ Carr (Michigan): One of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the nation, Carr is the grandson of former Notre Dame coach Lloyd Carr and has long been considered a potential Notre Dame legacy. His ability to read defenses, throw accurately on the move, and lead a team make him an ideal fit for the Irish offense. The relationship between Carr and Notre Dame has been strong, and his recruitment will be one of the most closely watched stories during this week’s massive recruiting push.
• Dante Moore (Michigan): Another top quarterback prospect, Moore is considered one of the most dynamic signal-callers in the 2024 class. A dual-threat quarterback, Moore has the ability to both extend plays with his legs and make precision throws in the pocket. His combination of physical tools and mental sharpness has put him at the top of many college programs’ recruiting boards, including Notre Dame.
• Elijah Brown (California): A standout in California high school football, Brown has been drawing attention from a number of national programs, including Notre Dame. Known for his quick release and accuracy, Brown has all the tools to succeed at the college level.

Landing one of these quarterbacks would be a major coup for Freeman and his coaching staff. A successful recruiting week could see Notre Dame secure a commitment from a highly rated quarterback, giving the program a clear future at the position.

The Impact of the Transfer Portal

In addition to high school recruiting, Notre Dame also has to keep an eye on the transfer portal. While recruiting is always the primary method of acquiring talent, the increasing prevalence of the portal has changed the dynamics of college football. A transfer quarterback could potentially step into the role immediately, especially if Hartman’s departure opens up a significant gap in the roster.

However, Notre Dame’s primary focus remains on securing a high school recruit who can develop within the program over the next few seasons. Freeman’s success in building a sustainable program depends largely on developing talent through the high school ranks, and a top quarterback would certainly help set the foundation for the future.

2. Will Notre Dame’s Recruiting Success Continue in the Defensive Backfield?

Notre Dame’s defense has long been a hallmark of its success, with the team regularly producing top-tier defensive players. However, the Irish have been particularly focused on improving the defensive backfield, a position that has been a point of emphasis under head coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership. As one of the top defensive coordinators in the country before taking over as head coach, Freeman understands the importance of having a shutdown secondary, especially in today’s pass-heavy college football landscape.

The question for Notre Dame is whether the program can continue its success in recruiting top defensive backs during this massive week. There are a few key prospects in the 2024 class who could significantly bolster the Irish secondary.

Top Targets in the Defensive Backfield

• Kerry Smith (Florida): A highly regarded cornerback, Smith has the kind of athleticism that Notre Dame covets. With the ability to play man-to-man coverage, Smith would provide an immediate boost to the Irish’s defensive backfield. His fluid hips, speed, and ball skills make him a potential game-changer at cornerback.
• Jaylen Goodwin (Texas): Another top cornerback prospect, Goodwin is known for his ability to track the ball and make plays in the air. He’s a physical player who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in run support, which is an asset in Notre Dame’s aggressive defensive scheme.
• Jakobe Albert (Georgia): A versatile safety prospect, Albert is one of the top-rated players in the state of Georgia. He has great size and speed, and his ability to cover ground quickly makes him a natural fit for the safety position. Albert’s versatility would be a huge asset to Notre Dame’s defense, allowing the coaching staff to use him in a variety of roles.

Freeman’s Impact on Defensive Recruiting

Since taking over as head coach, Freeman has made an immediate impact on Notre Dame’s defense, and recruiting in the secondary is a major part of that. His reputation as a defensive mastermind has helped Notre Dame attract some of the top defensive backs in the country. If the Irish can continue this momentum during the recruiting week, they will be able to lock down the type of talent needed to compete with the best teams in the country.

The competition for top defensive backs is always fierce, and Notre Dame will need to fend off other national programs, particularly those in the SEC and ACC, to land these top-tier recruits. But with Freeman’s track record and the program’s commitment to developing elite defensive talent, Notre Dame is well-positioned to continue building a strong secondary for years to come.

3. How Will Notre Dame Balance Immediate Needs with Long-Term Depth?

Every recruiting cycle presents a balancing act between addressing immediate needs and building long-term depth. For Notre Dame, this challenge is particularly pronounced during a massive recruiting week, when the temptation to focus on short-term needs might conflict with the larger goal of building a sustainable program for the future.

Immediate Needs vs. Long-Term Success

While Notre Dame has a strong roster in place, the Irish still have positions that require immediate attention. Quarterback, defensive back, and wide receiver are among the most pressing needs for the 2024 class. However, recruiting isn’t just about filling gaps on the depth chart for the upcoming season; it’s about building a program that can sustain success over time. This means that Notre Dame also needs to focus on securing future talent at positions like offensive line, linebacker, and tight end—areas where depth will be crucial for long-term success.

Balancing these competing priorities is a tricky proposition. Coaches must carefully evaluate not just the immediate needs of the program, but also the players who will be able to develop into key contributors in the future. For example, recruiting a young quarterback or wide receiver might not fill an immediate gap, but it could set the foundation for a championship-caliber team in the coming years.

The Role of Transfers in Building Depth

With the transfer portal constantly reshaping the college football landscape, Notre Dame must also consider how to balance traditional recruiting with the need to build depth through transfers. The portal offers a way to fill immediate needs, but it cannot be the sole strategy for success. Successful programs must strike the right balance between recruiting high school players who can develop into stars and leveraging the transfer portal to plug in key pieces for a championship push.