Notre Dame Football Offers 2027 SEC Legacy Safety Kenneth Simon, Signaling Intent to Battle South’s Best for Elite Defensive Talent
Notre Dame continues to push the boundaries of its national recruiting footprint — this time by offering a scholarship to one of the South’s fastest-rising prospects: 2027 safety Kenneth Simon.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back from Hoover High School (Alabama) announced Wednesday evening that he had received an offer from the Fighting Irish, adding Notre Dame to an already loaded list of suitors that includes Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn.
Simon, the son of former LSU All-American and 10-year NFL veteran Corey Simon, is considered one of the top safety prospects in the 2027 cycle and a true SEC legacy. But Notre Dame’s entrance into the race shows that Marcus Freeman and his staff are ready to compete with the very best — in talent-rich territory — for elite playmakers.
Who Is Kenneth Simon?
Kenneth Simon has been on recruiting boards since his freshman year thanks to a rare blend of size, speed, football IQ, and lineage. As a sophomore starter at powerhouse Hoover High, Simon recorded 89 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles while also playing wide receiver and returning punts.
What sets Simon apart, scouts say, is his physicality in run support and his ability to diagnose plays pre-snap — a trait he credits to watching film with his father from an early age.
“I was breaking down coverages and tendencies before I could drive a car,” Simon told Rivals last month. “It’s in my blood.”
Indeed, with NFL genetics and SEC pedigree, Simon’s game already carries the polish of a college upperclassman. Multiple recruiting services, including 247Sports and On3, project him as a top-50 overall player in the 2027 class, and a top-five safety nationally.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Blueprint
Under Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has emphasized versatility and aggression on defense — traits that perfectly align with Simon’s style.
Safeties coach Chris O’Leary, known for his work developing Kyle Hamilton and Xavier Watts, has taken the lead in Simon’s recruitment. Sources say Notre Dame’s offer was backed by detailed analysis of Simon’s tape and a strong in-person impression during the spring evaluation period.
According to a source close to the program, Notre Dame sees Simon as a future rover — the hybrid safety-linebacker role that has been pivotal in Freeman’s 4-2-5 scheme.
“He can cover a slot, fill a gap, blitz off the edge — he checks every box,” the source said. “Notre Dame wants guys who can change a game. Kenneth is that guy.”
SEC Legacy, National Recruitment
Simon’s father, Corey Simon, was a star defensive tackle at Florida State, but he’s long been associated with the SEC from his days battling in the NFL South. Kenneth, growing up in the heart of Alabama, has been surrounded by SEC culture since birth.
That hasn’t stopped him from keeping an open mind. In a recent interview with On3’s Chad Simmons, Simon said his family encouraged him to evaluate every school based on “fit, development, and education.”
“My dad always says: ‘Go where they’ll help you grow, not just where they scream the loudest on Saturdays,’” Simon said.
That philosophy is why Notre Dame’s academic reputation and proven NFL development track record have caught the attention of the Simon family — even if South Bend is far from home.
A Strategic Offer
Notre Dame’s offer to Simon isn’t just about his talent — it’s part of a broader strategy to reclaim elite recruiting status at defensive back.
In the 2024 and 2025 classes, Notre Dame has landed multiple top-100 defenders — including cornerback Leonard Moore and safety Ivan Taylor — but they’ve also missed on several high-profile targets to SEC schools. Offering Simon early and aggressively signals Freeman’s intention to flip that narrative.
Notre Dame also sees Simon as a cultural fit — a high-character leader who excels in the classroom and community. Those traits matter deeply to the Irish, who often recruit players with an eye toward leadership and long-term impact.
Reaction From the Recruiting World
The moment Simon posted his offer announcement on social media, recruiting analysts took notice.
“Notre Dame entering the race for Kenneth Simon is no small thing,” said Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. “They’re clearly targeting SEC-level defenders and not backing down.”
Tom Loy, who covers Notre Dame recruiting for 247Sports, was even more bullish: “If Notre Dame gets Kenneth on campus this fall, watch out. He’s the kind of kid who appreciates a place like South Bend.”
On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine still lists Alabama and LSU as early favorites, but insiders say Simon’s recruitment is truly wide open — especially with nearly two years before he can sign a National Letter of Intent.
What Comes Next
The next step for Notre Dame is to get Simon to visit campus, likely during the fall for a major home game. Sources say the staff is pushing for an official visit in October — possibly during the Ohio State or Clemson weekends — when the stadium will be electric and the staff can showcase the full Notre Dame experience.
Simon’s camp is also expected to release a list of top schools sometime this winter. Notre Dame will look to use its early offer and strong relationship-building to secure a spot on that list and remain a serious contender through his junior and senior seasons.
What Simon Brings to the Field
Simon is the modern safety prototype — rangy, physical, and instinctual. He thrives in man coverage against tight ends and slot receivers but is equally effective in zone, often baiting quarterbacks into bad throws.
In run support, he plays with controlled aggression, squaring up ball carriers and rarely missing tackles. He’s also a vocal leader, often directing coverage and adjustments pre-snap — something rarely seen from underclassmen.
Notre Dame’s staff believes Simon could play multiple roles in their defense — from deep safety to nickel to rover — giving them rare flexibility.
“He reminds me a lot of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with more polish in coverage,” one former Notre Dame coach said.
A Cultural Fit
Beyond the field, Simon’s faith, discipline, and leadership profile align strongly with Notre Dame’s core values. He carries a 4.1 GPA, participates in student government, and volunteers through his church youth program.
Freeman has made clear he wants players who can handle the unique rigors of Notre Dame — not just in football but in life. Simon fits that mold perfectly.
“Notre Dame isn’t for everyone,” Freeman said during last year’s Signing Day. “We want elite athletes who embrace the challenge — who want to leave here better men than when they arrived.”
Simon’s maturity and family background suggest he could thrive under that challenge.
Notre Dame’s scholarship offer to Kenneth Simon isn’t just another checkbox in a massive recruiting board — it’s a targeted move for a player they believe can anchor their defense and elevate their national recruiting stature.
Battling the SEC for a legacy prospect is never easy. But with Marcus Freeman’s vision, Chris O’Leary’s track record, and Notre Dame’s holistic appeal, the Irish have a fighting chance.
Simon won’t commit anytime soon, and his recruitment promises to be one of the most competitive in the 2027 cycle. Still, Notre Dame is in the game — and that’s exactly where they want to be.
