Notre Dame continues to be the "heavy favorite" for one of the more dynamic pass rushers in the 2027 recruiting class

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Notre Dame football is trying to solidify an elite defensive line group for the 2027 recruiting class. That includes a top target they are trending for.

Notre Dame football is busy putting together a potentially elite defensive line group for the 2027 recruiting class. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish are hoping for some good news on Friday from elite Chicago (Ill.) St. Patrick defensive tackle David Folorunsho, who will be picking between Notre Dame, Miami, and Texas Tech. While Folorunsho is the main topic of conversation right now, it doesn’t end with his decision this week.

Another key target to know for Notre Dame is Oradell (NJ) Bergen Catholic defensive end Jackson Vaughn, who was originally a member of the 2028 recruiting class before reclassifying. Vaughn is tackling the recruiting process quickly, set to make his commitment later this month on May 26. Vaughn will be selecting between the Fighting Irish, LSU, Miami, South Carolina, and Auburn.

As we get closer to that decision date, the momentum continues to favor the Fighting Irish. I have reported over the last several weeks that I would be surprised if Notre Dame wasn’t the choice for the talented pass rusher later this month, and that hasn’t changed. Rivals national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong added in his recent report that Notre Dame is considered to be the “heavy favorite” for the New Jersey native.

If Notre Dame does land Folorunsho and Vaughn, all eyes will turn to Marcus Fakatou and Brayden Parks to solidify an elite class. Xavier Muhammad and Tyler Alexander are also worth some attention, depending on how the next couple of weeks go.

Jackson Vaughn’s recruiting background

Despite recently being reclassified to the 2027 recruiting class, Vaughn is considered a four-star player by each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, he currently ranks as the No. 204 overall player, the No. 22 EDGE, and the No. 5 player from the state of New Jersey for the class. That rating promises to increase heading into a big 2026 senior season.

If the rankings don’t get you excited, then Vaughn’s offer list sure would, now holding 50 offers to his name. Some of his top offers include the Fighting Irish, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Miami, Florida State, USC, Auburn, South Carolina, Missouri, Nebraska, Washington, Louisville, Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Colorado, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Virginia, West Virginia, SMU, NC State, Georgia Tech, UNC, UCF, Illinois, Boston College, Syracuse, Duke, Cal, Rutgers, and Purdue, among many others.

As a sophomore in 2025, Vaughn put together a tremendous season. The 6-4, 225-pound pass rusher recorded 40 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. Vaughn also broke up three passes for one of the better defenses in all of high school football. He is lightning quick off the ball with tons of bend and closing speed.

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