Notre Dame football continues to lead the pack for a priority recruit as we trend closer to the finish line

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Notre Dame football continues to lead the pack for a priority recruit as we trend closer to the finish line
Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph runs a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Friday, March 20, 2026, in South Bend.
Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph runs a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Friday, March 20, 2026, in South Bend.

Can Notre Dame close the deal with 2027 offensive tackle recruit Cameron Wagner? They just took another strong step.

Notre Dame football has been riding some good momentum on the recruiting trail so far this offseason. With plenty of unofficial and official visitors scheduled for the future, there is a hope that head coach Marcus Freeman and Co. are able to put together another outstanding group in the 2027 recruiting class.

On the offensive line, 2027 St. Joseph (Ill.) Ogden offensive tackle Cameron Wagner has been one of the key targets for offensive line coach Joe Rudolph for some time now. The Irish took another good step in the Wagner recruitment, earning a spot on his top schools list. Notre Dame was joined by Oregon, Wisconsin, and Illinois in that top group.

While there isn’t an exact timeline set or commitment date in place, Notre Dame continues to hold the pace in this recruitment. There is an interesting question about which program is second behind the Irish right now, which adequately shows the lead that Notre Dame has created. Barring something unforeseen, Wagner ending in South Bend when all is said and done is by far the most likely outcome.

Cameron Wagner’s recruiting background

Wagner is considered to be a four-star player on each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Wagner is rated as the No. 318 overall player, the No. 32 offensive tackle, and the No. 11 player from the state of Illinois in the 2027 recruiting class. Keeping talented players from the Chicagoland area has become increasingly important for Freeman and the Irish staff.

It isn’t too much of a surprise that there has been a long list of impressive suitors who have pursued Wagner. The Illinois native holds offers from the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Oregon, Ole Miss, Florida, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida State, Auburn, Nebraska, Iowa, UNC, Louisville, Indiana, Boston College, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Purdue, among others. 

At 6-6, 300 pounds, Wagner has an impressive blend of size and athleticism. With his requisite length and foot quickness, it should provide the Illinois standout an opportunity to stick at offensive tackle. Wagner also has the demeanor and power profile to play inside at guard. That versatility is something that Rudolph has valued tremendously in the past.

On top of being an impressive player, Wagner is also a local product. Keeping top talent from their backyard remains a priority for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Irish program. Wagner could be a great starting point for the program to land quite the haul from the Chicagoland area. Other players, like defensive tackles Brayden Parks and David Folorunsho, and defensive back Tavares Harrington, are key targets to know from the area.

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