Notre Dame’s 2027 recruiting efforts are already showing signs of serious momentum-and Monday brought another encouraging development. Jaden Carey, one of the top cornerbacks in the country, just narrowed his list of schools, and the Irish made the cut.
Carey, a 4-star prospect out of Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, announced that he’s down to seven programs: Notre Dame, Ohio State, Auburn, Oregon, Florida, Miami, and Ole Miss. That’s elite company, and it underscores just how competitive this recruitment is going to be.
For Marcus Freeman and his staff, getting into Carey’s Top 7 is no small feat. Four of the schools on his list-Ohio State, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami-made the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Florida and Notre Dame were both in the hunt, with the Irish in particular feeling the sting of a controversial snub that still echoes around South Bend. So yes, the competition is fierce.
But Notre Dame is right in the thick of it.
And there's a good reason why Carey is such a priority.
At 6-foot, 165 pounds, Carey brings length, fluidity, and instincts to the corner position-traits that are becoming non-negotiable in today’s college game. As a sophomore, he helped lead St.
Thomas Aquinas to a 12-3 record and a state title, racking up 17 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups in 12 games. Those numbers might not jump off the page at first glance, but here’s the thing: quarterbacks weren’t exactly eager to test him.
When you’re locking down your side of the field, the stat sheet doesn’t always tell the full story.
Carey is currently ranked as the No. 28 cornerback nationally in the 2027 class and the No. 31 overall player in Florida, according to Rivals. That’s a strong profile, especially considering he still has two full high school seasons to develop.
Being a Fort Lauderdale native, Carey has had easy access to programs like Miami and Florida for unofficial visits. But what stands out is his trip to South Bend back in mid-September.
That visit clearly left an impression, and Notre Dame is now in line to host him for an official visit down the road. That’s a significant step forward in a recruitment like this.
There’s still a long way to go before Carey makes a final decision, and Notre Dame will have to hold its own against some of the sport’s biggest recruiting powers. But make no mistake-landing in his Top 7 is a win. It means Freeman and his staff are doing the work, building the relationships, and showing Carey a vision he’s buying into.
The Irish are already putting together one of the top 2026 classes in the country. If they can keep that momentum rolling into 2027 with prospects like Carey, this recruiting stretch could mark a defining era for Notre Dame football.