Top 2027 Running Back Amir Brown Says He’s Still Very High on Notre Dame, Citing Fit, Culture, and Development Plan

With Notre Dame’s 2027 recruiting board beginning to take shape, few names have generated more internal buzz than elite running back Amir Brown. The five-star talent from Buford High School in Georgia — a program known for churning out elite Power Five prospects — has quickly become one of the Irish’s top priorities in the 2027 cycle.

And the interest appears to be mutual.

In a recent interview with 247Sports, Brown left no doubt where things stand between him and the Irish.

“Notre Dame is still one of the schools I’m very high on,” Brown said. “They’ve shown love from day one, and I like how they do things up there.”

For a player with nearly every SEC powerhouse already on his trail — including Georgia, Alabama, and LSU — Brown’s continued focus on Notre Dame says a lot about how Marcus Freeman and running backs coach Deland McCullough are approaching this recruitment.

A Special Talent

Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 195 pounds, Brown combines power, patience, and elite acceleration. As a sophomore last fall, he rushed for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns, helping lead Buford to another deep playoff run in Georgia’s top classification.

Recruiting analysts rave about his balance through contact and his vision in zone and gap schemes. ESPN currently ranks him as the No. 2 running back and No. 11 overall prospect in the class of 2027.

What separates Brown, though, might be his maturity.

“He’s already thinking like a college back,” said a national scout with Rivals. “He asks about blocking schemes, workload plans, and academic fit — that’s rare at his age.”

That cerebral approach has caught the attention of Notre Dame’s staff, which prides itself on targeting not just athleticism but high-character competitors who fit the university’s unique mission.

Why Notre Dame Remains in Strong Position

Brown visited South Bend for a game last fall and came away impressed by the facilities, the fan base, and the academic support. More than that, he felt a connection with the coaches.

“Coach Freeman is real,” Brown said. “He’s about development — not just as a player, but as a man. That means something to me and my family.”

Coach McCullough has also played a crucial role. Known for developing NFL-caliber backs — including Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard during his time in the league — McCullough has built trust with Brown and his inner circle.

Notre Dame’s 2027 pitch centers on early playing time, elite competition, and an offense that is projected to lean heavily on the ground game. With 2025 quarterback commit Teddy Jarrard already spearheading that class, Notre Dame is looking to surround him with elite skill talent like Brown.

The Importance of Culture

In an NIL-driven era where some programs lead with money, Brown says he’s prioritizing development and long-term value.

“I’m not chasing quick money,” Brown said. “I want to go somewhere that prepares me for the NFL and life.”

Notre Dame’s blend of tradition, academic prestige, and NFL production aligns with what he’s looking for — especially given the school’s record of sending running backs to the next level and placing a premium on education.

The Irish have also been strategic about how often they contact Brown — giving him space, but staying consistent. That approach has resonated.

“They’re not blowing up my phone every second, but I know they care,” Brown noted. “They check in after games, wish me luck before tests, and talk about more than just football.”

What’s Next

Brown plans to narrow his list to a top 10 by the end of his junior season. He also intends to take several unofficial visits in 2025, with Notre Dame almost certain to get one — likely for a marquee game in the fall.

According to sources close to his recruitment, he is also expected to attend Notre Dame’s “Pot of Gold” recruiting event next spring, which has become a cornerstone of the school’s outreach efforts for underclassmen.

In addition to Notre Dame, Brown lists Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State, Alabama, and Michigan as programs he’s watching closely. But Irish insiders believe South Bend will be in the mix until the end.

The Fit in South Bend

If Brown were to choose Notre Dame, he’d likely enter a running back room that is transitioning. Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love are projected to be upperclassmen or NFL-bound by the time Brown arrives. That could leave an opening for a freshman to make an early impact — something Notre Dame has not been shy about offering to top recruits.

The Irish also plan to shift to a more balanced run-pass attack with Jarrard under center. That means more traditional two-back sets and a feature-back role for a player of Brown’s caliber.

“The staff told me they’re going to run the ball and need a back who can carry the load,” Brown said. “I can be that guy.”

National Perspective

Analysts across the country agree that Notre Dame is sitting in an excellent spot early in this race. Steve Wiltfong of On3 recently called Brown “a must-get” for Notre Dame if they want to solidify their national footprint in the 2027 cycle.

“You land a kid like Amir Brown, and you send a message,” Wiltfong said. “You’re not just competing with the SEC — you’re beating them.”

That’s exactly the type of win Freeman and his staff are chasing. After landing several top-100 prospects in recent cycles, Notre Dame is looking to break into the top five nationally by stacking elite blue-chip talent in back-to-back classes.

Brown could be the crown jewel of the 2027 haul.

It’s still early in the process, but one thing is clear: Amir Brown has serious interest in Notre Dame, and the feeling is mutual. While SEC giants will continue to pursue him, the Irish have laid a strong foundation built on trust, development, and fit.

With a return visit likely and continued communication from a tight-knit staff, Notre Dame has positioned itself as more than just a contender — they’re a program Brown genuinely respects.

If that momentum continues, don’t be surprised if South Bend becomes the future home of one of the most complete running backs in the 2027 class.