The 2027 recruiting scene is buzzing, and Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman is leading the charge with impressive momentum. With seven recruits already pledged to the Fighting Irish, Freeman's efforts are just beginning to unfold.
Currently holding the No. 4-ranked recruiting class for 2027, according to 247Sports, Notre Dame's position seems poised to climb even higher. Freeman isn't just focused on new recruits; he's also eyeing potential flips from other programs.
Enter Karnell James Jr., a three-star cornerback committed to Texas. Freeman has extended an offer to James, indicating that the Longhorns might have a battle on their hands.
James made his commitment to Texas back in December 2025, but the door to his recruitment remains ajar. He recently shared his excitement about Notre Dame's offer on social media, signaling that the Irish could be a serious contender.
As it stands, James has an official visit lined up with Texas on June 19. However, with the recruiting season heating up, those plans might shift. Notre Dame's new defensive backs coach, Aaron Henry, is eager to make a mark, and flipping James would be a significant win for the program.
Notre Dame faces stiff competition, with other powerhouses like Florida, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech also in the mix. Despite James' long-standing verbal commitment, the race for his signature is far from over.