Marcus Fakatou is a name college football fans are going to want to remember. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound defensive lineman out of Orange Lutheran High School (Calif.) is already turning heads in recruiting circles - and he’s only a member of the Class of 2027. After reclassifying from 2028, Fakatou has emerged as one of the more intriguing defensive line prospects in the country, and now he’s set to take an official visit to Notre Dame.
For the Irish, this could be a significant step toward building out their defensive front for the future. Fakatou would be the second defensive lineman in the class to give a verbal commitment if he chooses Notre Dame, joining Richie Flanigan from Notre Dame Academy (Wisc.), who committed back in September. The Irish are clearly looking to stack talent early, and Fakatou fits the mold of a high-ceiling player with the kind of frame, athleticism, and upside that defensive line coach Al Washington and the staff can develop into a difference-maker.
Fakatou’s connection with Notre Dame goes back to the summer of 2024, when he first met head coach Marcus Freeman, Washington, and recruiting staffer Chad Sebastian at the Irish’s summer camp. That initial meeting led to his first offer from the program - and the relationship has only grown stronger since.
“Got on a call with coaches Freeman, Washington and Sebastian,” Fakatou said of that offer, which was officially extended on June 10, 2024. “It’s always a great feeling to be recognized and a privilege to be talking to college coaches.
I had met them the first time last summer at their camp. They offered me then and for them to offer me again shows me they are serious about me and that I’m a priority for them.”
That word - priority - speaks volumes. Notre Dame doesn’t throw around second offers lightly, especially this early in a recruiting cycle. The fact that the staff circled back to reaffirm their interest in Fakatou is a clear signal: they see him as a foundational piece for their future defensive front.
And there’s more to the Fakatou-Notre Dame connection. Marcus’ younger brother, Andrew, a Class of 2029 prospect, has also received an offer from the Irish. It’s early, of course, but the idea of a Fakatou pipeline to South Bend is certainly on the table.
For now, all eyes will be on Marcus’ upcoming visit. While nothing is finalized yet, the fact that he’s planning an official trip to Notre Dame is a strong indicator of mutual interest.
With his rare blend of size, strength, and quickness off the line, Fakatou is the kind of player who could anchor a defensive front for years to come. And if Notre Dame can land him, it would be another big win on the recruiting trail for Freeman and company - and a sign that the Irish are serious about building a championship-caliber defense from the trenches out.