Marcus Freeman might have started on a shaky foot this season with a 4-2 start, but his dominance is still grabbing eyes. The Irish have captured the attention of the nation’s top-ranked running back in the 2028 class. This marks a major win for Notre Dame, as this 5’10”, 195-pound athlete with a Polynesian Bowl invite for 2027 is everything they need right now. Zaiden Jernigan has already impressed programs across the country, secured multiple campus visits, and committed to taking an official visit to Freeman’s facility.

After visiting Tiger Stadium for LSU’s home game against South Carolina, Zaiden Jernigan is ready to turn things around with Notre Dame. As Brian Smith took to X to share the news: “Nation’s #1 2028 RB visiting the Irish.” But what made it more interesting is Jernigan’s reply to it, saying, “I will be at Notre Dame this weekend.” This sealed the deal and showed that Marcus Freeman’s team is on his priority list. Their game against USC might decide their fate and end up giving them a dynamic weapon.

Programs including Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Oregon, Penn State, and California are all making pushes to land him. Ole Miss, in particular, has left a strong impression after his visit to their campus last season, where he watched the Rebels take on Middle Tennessee State.

But what makes him perfect eye candy for top teams? Well, Zaiden Jernigan is the No. 1 player in Mississippi State and No. 22 in the nation, and even his stats show his dominance. On top of that, he rushed the ball 179 times for 1,386 yards with 21 touchdowns last season and even recorded nine interceptions for 116 yards with one touchdown. It’s pretty evident why every team is trying its best to grab his recruitment. And what makes him even more important for Notre Dame is that they have yet to receive a single commit for the 2028 class, and Jernigan’s presence will only lift their faith.

Now, Notre Dame’s top projected RBs might add more to their status, as Jeremiyah Love is the top projected NFL draft prospect for next year, and even ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks him as the No. 2 overall prospect in his initial big board. And with Jernigan, Marcus Freeman is also eyeing other RBs for his different classes; like after UNC’s exit, Notre Dame becomes the favorite to land Amir Brown from the class of 2027.

Yet with all this momentum, one team might take it all away from him.

Marcus Freeman’s team’s biggest threat

Well, it looks like Marcus Freeman might have to fight against an SEC giant to grab Zaiden Jernigan’s commitment. As his love for Alabama is beyond limits, Jernigan put out his long love for Bama pretty clearly. Talking about it, Jernigan said, “Alabama was my dream school; I grew up watching their running backs and their explosive offense. Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, and Najee Harris are three of my favorites.”

Well, this makes sense, as Kalen DeBoer’s team is gaining momentum in grabbing top RBs for their recent classes. They got 4-star Ezavier Crowell, who’s the no. 3 RB for the 2026 class, and then even Akylin Dear, who’s the no. 2 RB of the 2025 class. The best part is there’s no other player who has made his commitment to Alabama, and Jernigan’s presence will just elevate his chances to make an instant impact.

But Alabama still has not offered a scholarship. Despite giving off 27 offers so far for their 2028 class, Jernigan has yet to get one. Marcus Freeman’s quick call might change his perspective, which might cost Kalen DeBoer a key weapon. Let’s wait and see which team finally gets his commitment.