Notre Dame has become the "biggest challenger" for another 5-star target who has been expected to stay in SEC country

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Could Notre Dame be making a late push for another 5-star recruiting target? The recent buzz is certainly positive for the Fighting Irish.

It is the week of the five-star for Notre Dame football, having already landed a commitment from 2027 Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep offensive tackle Olu Olubobola. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish are also the slight favorite for elite 2027 Chicago (Ill.) St. Patrick defensive tackle David Folorunsho, who is set to make his college decision on Friday. 

In the quest to put together another elite overall recruiting class in 2027, Freeman and Co. still have several key targets that remain on the board. That includes Tampa Bay (Fla.) Jesuit linebacker Kaden Henderson, who is considered to be one of the best defensive players in the country. This is a player that the staff has been pursuing for quite some time. 

Despite their level of interest, Notre Dame has never been considered the leader for Henderson. They have been in his top group, but both Miami and Texas A&M have conceivably been in the driver’s seat for several months. It appears that may have changed. 

According to a report from Rivals national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong, Notre Dame is now “the biggest challenger” for Henderson behind the Aggies. Miami was mentioned as a team of heavy interest, but it does appear that they have faded a little bit. The Irish staff has been putting in a lot of effort, and that’s showing off with this recent buzz. 

With a strong relationship with 2027 Notre Dame linebacker commit Amarri Irvin, the team has been putting on the full-court press for Henderson. They aren’t the favorite right now, so the odds are somewhat against them, but that isn’t going to stop the Fighting Irish. They have the chance to pull off a slight upset. 

Henderson’s recruiting background 

Henderson is considered to be a four-star player by each of the major recruiting platforms currently. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Henderson is rated as a five-star, the No. 24 overall player, the No. 1 linebacker, and the No. 3 player from the state of Florida for the 2027 recruiting class right now. He has been one of the biggest risers in the class over the offseason. 

While his recruiting rankings are elite, Henderson’s offer list might be even better. With over 40 offers already, Henderson is not without a long list of impressive options. Some of his top offers include the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Tennessee, Florida, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, USC, Clemson, Miami, Auburn, Florida State, Missouri, South Carolina, Nebraska, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, SMU, Wisconsin, Pitt, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, Baylor, UNC, Syracuse, UCF, Duke, and Kansas, among others. 

Despite missing some time as a junior, Henderson was able to make his impact known on the Jesuit defense. In 10 games, the 6-1.5, 218-pound defender managed to collect 49 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. Henderson added another 20 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a blocked punt.

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