Sources detail Notre Dame’s push for 5-star Albert Simien, their actual chances, and a background nugget playing in their favor
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A couple of weekends ago, Notre Dame football hosted a long list of top 2027 and 2028 recruiting targets. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish are riding a ton of recruiting momentum following the last two visit weekends. That doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
One of the more fascinating recruitments in the 2027 class right now is five-star Lake Charles (La.) Sam Houston offensive lineman Albert Simien. He was one of the visitors two weekends ago, and one of the biggest updates coming out of the trip. While Notre Dame had been doing a good job, their odds improved greatly after the Louisiana native got to check out South Bend.
I’ve spoken to several people since that visit, including some close to Simien, and others closer to the Notre Dame side. Here’s what everyone needs to know right now, including the actual chances for the Fighting Irish, and an interesting note playing into their favor.
The latest with Albert Simien
When it comes to the current favorites for Simien, Notre Dame is right on the short list. I’m told that the Irish are fighting hard against LSU and Texas A&M. While schools like Alabama and Nebraska are still involved, that appears to be the top three schools right now.
Most people would assume that the five-star recruit from Louisiana would be a heavy lean to LSU, but that doesn’t appear to be the case right now. One thing that is playing into Notre Dame’s favor is that the Simien household didn’t grow up football fans, so they didn’t watch much of LSU until recently. They are getting to know the Tigers program, just like the others.
That doesn’t mean that Simien won’t end up with LSU, but it won’t be because he grew up a fan. This has leveled the playing field and allowed the Fighting Irish and Aggies to get a solid hold in this recruitment.
A few weeks ago, I admittedly didn’t think much of Notre Dame’s chances with Simien. Based on the team’s impact during his visit, and the consistency over the last couple of months, confidence is greatly building. I now believe that Notre Dame has a good chance to get this one done, but they will at least be in it until the very end.
Albert Simien’s recruiting background
Simien is considered to be at least a four-star and top-25 player by each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Simien is pegged as a five-star, the No. 14 overall player, the No. 2 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 2 player from the state of Louisiana for the 2027 recruiting class.
The Rivals ranking is the highest platform for him right now, sitting as the No. 10 overall player in the class.
If you are somehow not impressed by the recruiting rankings for Simien, you will be with his offer list. The 6-4, 280-pound offensive lineman currently holds an elite group of options. Some of his top offers include the Fighting Irish, Alabama, Oregon, LSU, Michigan, Florida, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida State, Nebraska, TCU, Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, SMU, UNC, and West Virginia, among several others.
This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Mar 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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