​Notre Dame football continues to build a special program under HC Marcus Freeman. A big reason for that is the team’s recruiting efforts.Rivals released its updated 2027 recruiting rankings this week, and Notre Dame football sits in a position that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Fighting Irish have four 5-star commits in the 2027 class, more than any other program in college football. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have built something remarkable on the recruiting trail, and this latest milestone reflects how dramatically things have shifted in South Bend.For years, the Notre Dame fan base had been conditioned to expect good but not exceptional recruiting. Under former head coach Brian Kelly, there were good classes mixed in, but the idea of contending for a top overall recruiting haul felt out of reach. Kelly was known as someone who did not put in the optimal time on the recruiting trail to make a massive impact.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFreeman is a different breed. He has assembled a staff of elite recruiters and understands the importance of acquiring high-level talent who fit the program both on and off the field.The shifting NIL landscape has also leveled the playing field. Notre Dame now can flex its financial muscles in a more public and legal fashion, and Freeman has taken full advantage.The highest-ranked Fighting Irish commit on Rivals’ updated list is Chicago (Ill.) St. Patrick defensive tackle David Folorunsho, who came in at No. 9 overall. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive lineman represents exactly the type of talent Notre Dame wants to keep home, particularly out of the critical Chicagoland pipeline.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJust one spot behind Folorunsho at No. 10 sits St. Charles (La.) Sam Houston offensive lineman Albert Simien.Simien could project as either an offensive tackle or offensive guard at the college level, and his commitment might be the biggest recruiting win of Freeman’s tenure. A Louisiana native whom LSU wanted desperately, a player Texas A&M was willing to empty the checkbook for. Everything about Simien’s profile as a 5-star offensive lineman in SEC country said he should never have left the Southeast.Notre Dame never gave up, continued to push, and landed arguably the most talented interior offensive lineman the program has signed in a very long time.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt No. 16 is Exton (Pa.) Downingtown East EDGE Abraham Sesay. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound pass rusher fills a critical need for a program that has lacked consistency in landing high-caliber defensive ends who can truly win on the outside. Notre Dame is starting to change that trend, building on what the staff accomplished with Rodney Dunham and Ebenezer Ewetade in the 2026 class.The defensive line is getting more dynamic with each cycle.Rounding out the group at No. 20 is Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep offensive t