2027 4 ⭐️ LB Ellis McGaskin (Mobile, AL) has committed to Notre Dame over LSU & Ohio State

In a major recruiting victory for Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, four-star linebacker Ellis McGaskin from Mobile, Alabama, has officially announced his commitment to Notre Dame over two perennial powerhouses—LSU and Ohio State. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound defender out of St. Paul’s Episcopal becomes one of the most significant pledges of the 2027 recruiting cycle for the Irish, adding another blue-chip cornerstone to Freeman’s defensive blueprint.

McGaskin made the announcement via a video posted on social media, surrounded by family and teammates at his high school gym. With hats from LSU, Ohio State, and Notre Dame laid out before him, he reached for the gold and blue Irish cap, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

“I prayed about it, talked with my family, and followed my heart,” McGaskin said in his commitment speech. “South Bend is where I feel called to be. It’s not just about football—it’s about becoming a better man. Notre Dame is going to challenge me in every way, and that’s what I want.”

His decision caps off a fierce recruiting battle that saw Notre Dame outlast two of the sport’s most aggressive recruiters: LSU’s Brian Kelly, who originally offered McGaskin while he was still in middle school during a camp visit to Baton Rouge, and Ohio State’s Jim Knowles, who personally attended two of McGaskin’s spring practices this year. Both programs were believed to be strong contenders, especially with McGaskin’s Southern roots and early ties to SEC football culture. Yet Notre Dame’s persistence, academic prestige, and defensive scheme ultimately won him over.

McGaskin is rated the No. 7 linebacker in the 2027 class and the No. 61 overall player nationally according to the latest 247Sports composite rankings. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range, high football IQ, and physical presence, McGaskin has drawn comparisons to former Notre Dame All-American Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. His junior season was nothing short of dominant: 112 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, and three forced fumbles while also starting at running back. He helped lead St. Paul’s to the state semifinals in Alabama’s ultra-competitive 6A division.

“Ellis is a throwback linebacker with modern athleticism,” said Jason Farmer, head coach at St. Paul’s Episcopal. “He can read, react, and close faster than anyone I’ve ever coached. But more than that, he’s a leader, a scholar, and someone who elevates everyone around him. Notre Dame is getting a gem.”

Notre Dame’s staff prioritized McGaskin early, hosting him multiple times in South Bend throughout the year. He visited for the Blue-Gold Game in April, returned unofficially in June, and finally locked in an official visit the weekend of June 21—a visit that proved to be the turning point in his recruitment.

Sources close to McGaskin say he was particularly struck by Notre Dame’s commitment to developing the “total person,” a hallmark of the Freeman era. The presence of linebackers coach Max Bullough and defensive coordinator Al Golden also played major roles. Bullough, a former Michigan State captain and NFL veteran, reportedly developed a close relationship with McGaskin and his family.

“Coach Bullough didn’t just talk football,” McGaskin told Irish Illustrated earlier this month. “He talked about growing into the man I want to be. That hit different.”

With McGaskin’s commitment, Notre Dame continues to build a formidable 2027 class that already ranks No. 3 nationally. He joins fellow four-star defensive recruits Devin Harper (DL – Georgia) and Micah Dunn (S – Texas) as elite-level additions to a unit that aims to be the backbone of the program going forward. Freeman, himself a former linebacker, has made it clear that defense remains the identity of Notre Dame football under his watch—and McGaskin fits that vision perfectly.

This commitment also sends a broader message across the national recruiting landscape. Notre Dame, long known for its selective approach, has increasingly demonstrated that it can not only compete but win head-to-head battles against SEC and Big Ten giants for top-tier Southern talent. Beating LSU and Ohio State for a top-100 defender out of Alabama is no small feat.

“This is a tone-setting win,” said national recruiting analyst Chad Simmons. “If Notre Dame can come down into Alabama and pull out a kid like McGaskin, that’s a sign that their message is resonating in SEC territory. It’s a major recruiting statement.”

Recruiting insiders say McGaskin’s decision also reflects the growing trust elite athletes have in Freeman’s long-term vision for the program. Despite Notre Dame not having a College Football Playoff appearance during Freeman’s short tenure, many prospects cite the culture, player development, and opportunity for early impact as deciding factors in their choices.

Freeman, known for his transparency and relatability, reportedly connected with McGaskin during home visits and long FaceTime conversations. Those close to the recruitment say Freeman’s authenticity and emphasis on purpose-driven football resonated deeply with both Ellis and his parents.

“My parents loved Coach Freeman,” McGaskin said. “They felt like he cared about me as a person—not just a player. That made a big difference.”

For LSU and Ohio State, McGaskin’s decision marks a tough loss, particularly as both programs had laid considerable groundwork over the past year. LSU’s proximity and SEC ties made them a natural contender, while Ohio State’s linebacker legacy and defensive pedigree offered a strong pitch. Each school reportedly offered McGaskin early playing time and NIL incentives, but in the end, Notre Dame’s holistic approach prevailed.

Now with his recruitment settled, McGaskin says he’s focused on winning a state title in his senior year and preparing to enroll early in January 2027.

“I’m locked in. I’m shutting things down,” he said. “Notre Dame is home, and now it’s time to get to work. I want to be a part of something special, something that lasts.”

The Irish coaching staff, meanwhile, is expected to leverage McGaskin’s commitment to help attract other top defensive recruits. He’s already connected with several high-profile prospects, including fellow four-star LB Christian O’Neal (Phoenix, AZ) and five-star DE Amari Tatum (Bradenton, FL), who are reportedly high on Notre Dame’s board.

“I want to bring dogs with me,” McGaskin said with a grin. “We’re building a brotherhood. I’m just the start.”

Notre Dame fans have taken to social media to celebrate the commitment, with hashtags like #IrishBouND and #McGaskinToSouthBend trending on X within hours of the announcement.

Ellis McGaskin now becomes one of the faces of Notre Dame’s 2027 class—and a potential future captain of the defense. His mix of physicality, instinct, and character makes him an ideal fit for what the Irish are trying to build.

“He’s the type of player who changes a locker room,” said former Notre Dame linebacker and current ESPN analyst Mike Goolsby. “When you get a guy like that, you don’t just improve your roster—you elevate your standard.”

As Notre Dame pushes toward another elite class under Freeman, the addition of Ellis McGaskin is more than just another commitment—it’s a declaration. The Irish are not just recruiting for talent. They’re recruiting for culture, leadership, and legacy. And Ellis McGaskin checks every box.