Notre Dame Stuns with Elite 2027 Safety in Top 5 List

Notre Dame edges closer to landing top-tier safety Gavin Williams, competing with major West Coast schools in a heated recruitment battle.

Notre Dame is making significant strides in its pursuit of 4-star defensive back Gavin Williams. As the Fighting Irish gear up to welcome him to South Bend, they’re in a competitive race to convince him that this is where he should commit his future.

Williams, a standout safety, recently narrowed his top choices to five schools: Notre Dame, Washington, UCLA, USC, and Texas A&M. While he hails from La Verne, California, and has strong ties to the West Coast, his inclusion of Notre Dame and Texas A&M shows he's open to exploring opportunities beyond his home turf.

Gavin Williams, ranked as the No. 13 safety and the No. 13 player in California by Rivals, is a coveted prospect. His decision to consider Notre Dame speaks volumes about the program's appeal and the recruiting prowess of head coach Marcus Freeman.

Notre Dame recently celebrated a stellar 2026 recruiting class, finishing in the Top 5 nationally. Now, their focus shifts to maintaining that momentum with the 2027 class. The Irish are positioning themselves as frontrunners for several top prospects, and Williams is a key target on their radar.

Williams has scheduled his official visits, starting with UCLA on May 15, followed by Washington on May 29, Texas A&M on June 5, USC on June 12, and wrapping up with Notre Dame on June 19. The Irish are set to make their pitch during the final visit, a strategic advantage as they aim to leave a lasting impression before the NCAA's quiet period begins.

With Marcus Freeman and new secondary coach Aaron Henry leading the charge, Notre Dame is poised to make a compelling case to Williams. The coaching staff is undoubtedly eager to showcase what the program has to offer, hoping to secure a commitment from this talented defensive back.