The race for the recruits has become ever more complicated. Today, the prospects do not just care about the reputation of the program and their sporting team, but also about how much teams are willing to churn out in NIL money. In a sense, now, the prospects become harder and harder to rope in. This is not the time when only programs like Alabama would be in contention for the recruits. But now, even Missouri could think of landing a five-star recruit with their deep NIL pockets. Amidst all of this, strategies need to change, right? Well, there may be something that programs can learn from Marcus Freeman.

Recruiting has always been a pillar of success for Marcus Freeman in recent years. Just last year in their incredible title run, they produced an 11th-ranked class nationally. And now? Well, in 2026, they have turned it up a notch and are trending towards a 4th-ranked class nationally.  Five-star prospects like Rodney Durham (Edge) and other blue-chip talents like Ebenezer Ewetade (Edge) make the class exceptional to begin with. But Freeman isn’t stopping here. He is preparing for the 2027 class way early.

The Irish were after the Desert Edge High, Arizona, wide receiver Zerek Sidney, along with other programs like Texas, Arizona State, and USC. But, in his recent visit in April, the prospect spoke highly of the program. “The first visit didn’t feel like a first visit. Notre Dame felt natural,” Sidney told On3. “Nothing was forced. The great staff made sure I felt at home. Coach Dembrock, Coach Carter, Coach Dom, and Coach Jourdan all made my visit special“.

The wide receiver is ranked 13th in his position by Rivals and stands at 6’0” and 165 lbs. But Sidney is sought mainly because of his exceptional football IQ and comfort with running routes, along with hand security. The Longhorns under Steve Sarkisian offered the player recently in March, as he showed excitement over the prospect. But now with the level of praise, the wide receiver is showering for Marcus Freeman, it may not take too much time for the commitment to come in.

The player even said that the program “shot up” on his list, and all of his fears were calmed as he “was surprised at how” the visit felt. Sidney even praised the academic reputation that comes with Notre Dame, ” I felt like it was something within my reach. I would love to have what comes with a Notre Dame education.”

Now, the player seems to be wanting a bonus package of academic excellence along with playing football. So, only a few programs can provide that, including Notre Dame. That may be the reason the Sidney seems to be inclining towards Notre Dame. But still, the thing isn’t a done deal, and the Longhorns still have a 12.3% chance (per On3) to land the WR. But to be honest, with the level of praise Sidney is showing for the Irish, it could well be a pipe dream.

Marcus Freeman pulls in a dark horse for his QB room?

The quarterback room at Notre Dame just got interesting after Steve Angeli left for Syracuse recently, and Marcus Freeman decided to magically present a QB out of thin air. In came Tyler Buchner, who will be taking reps as a QB instead of WR. Tyler Wocjiak, the host of ‘Locked on Irish,’ provided the reason why.

“I think he’s going to move over and basically take Steve Angeli’s spot in the room. Because I don’t think the coaching staff wants Blake Hebert to play at any meaningful moment this season. So, if a disaster occurs and Carr and Minchey somehow end up getting hurt, at least, you know, when you bring in Tyler Buchner, he’s not going to be afraid of the moment“.

The multiple-sport athlete who also plays Lacrosse and earlier transferred to Alabama came back to Notre Dame. Now with 2 QBs at the helm, the player would be a stopgap solution. Since CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey battle it out for the QB1 spot. As a backup, Tyler would be well equipped too, as we have seen him produce more than 1,000+ passing yards in his career, to be a rotational option when required.’