Notre Dame Lands Elite 2027 CB Xavier Hasan in Major Recruiting Win
Notre Dame may still be feeling the sting of missing out on the College Football Playoff, but Marcus Freeman and his staff aren’t wasting any time dwelling on it. The recruiting machine in South Bend is humming - and it just added another high-octane piece to the future.
On Monday, the Irish secured a commitment from one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 class: 4-star cornerback Xavier Hasan out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Ranked as the No. 4 corner in the country by the 247Sports Composite, Hasan is the kind of player who can anchor a secondary and change the complexion of a defense.
This is a big-time get for Freeman and company - not just because of Hasan’s talent, but because of the statement it makes. Notre Dame is already sitting on a top-three 2027 class with nine commitments, and Hasan might be the most electric name in the bunch so far.
A Relationship-Driven Decision
Hasan’s path to South Bend wasn’t a quick one. He first visited in September and came back in November to watch the Irish handle Navy. Those visits sealed the deal.
“What made Notre Dame right for me is the way they recruited me and talked to me honestly,” Hasan said. “I love everything about the school and campus. The life after the football and the way they take care of their players - that means a lot.”
That kind of trust and transparency is a hallmark of Freeman’s approach. He’s built a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country, and it shows in how players respond to him. For Hasan, it wasn’t just about football - it was about culture, leadership, and life beyond the game.
Coaching Connections and NFL Pedigree
Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens played a major role in Hasan’s recruitment, and it’s easy to see why the connection clicked. Mickens brings real NFL experience to the table, both as a former pro and as a developer of elite talent.
One of his most notable success stories? Sauce Gardner - a name any young cornerback knows well - whom Mickens coached during their time at Cincinnati.
Hasan sees that track record and understands what it could mean for his future. But it wasn’t just Mickens who made an impression.
“He’s a great coach,” Hasan said of Freeman. “I like the way he just talks to people.
He knows how to lead men. That’s something I’m looking for - a great leader.”
That leadership, paired with a program that emphasizes development on and off the field, clearly resonated.
A Playmaker With Game-Changing Ability
On the field, Hasan is already making waves. As a junior at Cardinal Gibbons High School, he posted 17 tackles and three interceptions - solid numbers for a corner who often takes away half the field.
But it’s his special teams work that really jumps off the page: three kickoff returns for touchdowns. That’s not just production - that’s game-breaking speed and vision.
It’s the kind of versatility Notre Dame covets. A player who can lock down receivers, create turnovers, and flip field position in an instant? That’s the type of athlete who doesn’t just fill a roster spot - he elevates a program.
Beating Out the Big Boys
Landing Hasan wasn’t a walk in the park. Notre Dame had to out-recruit some heavy hitters - Florida State, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Tennessee were all in the mix. But Freeman and his staff closed the deal, and in doing so, they added another cornerstone to a 2027 class that’s shaping up to be one of the best in the nation.
With nine commits already and a No. 3 national ranking, Notre Dame is setting the tone early. And if this commitment is any indication, the Irish aren’t just stacking stars - they’re building a foundation of players who buy into the bigger picture.
Xavier Hasan is the latest example. And he won’t be the last.