Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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48 NOV. 7, 2026 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY MIKE SINGER T he most important recruit on cam- pus for Notre Dame's pivotal home matchup against Miami would be Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit's Kaden Henderson, the No. 1 linebacker and No. 25 overall player nationally per Rivals' 2027 rank- ings, but as of late October his visit has not yet been confirmed. Henderson committed to Texas A&M over Notre Dame in June, and the Irish staff made it clear to him that they would not stop recruiting him. They stayed true to their word and hope to flip him from the Aggies. "When that week presents itself, that's when I'll know," Henderson told Blue & Gold Illustrated on Oct. 23 re- garding a potential visit. "I'm think- ing about it. I'm committed; do I re- ally want to take that visit? I'll see how games play out and if things are stable at A&M." With Henderson unconfirmed for the Miami game, the five most anticipated recruits visiting Notre Dame are all in the 2028 class. There are a couple dozen prospects who could be included on this list, and it's hard to go wrong with any of them. JAYLEN ADDAI WR • 6-0, 167 Class Of 2028 Pearland (Texas) Shadow Creek The Skinny: He's an easy pick as a five- star prospect, but it's more than that. Wide receiver continues to be such a key position where the Irish need to stockpile talent, and Addai — the No. 6 wide receiver and No. 21 overall player in the country per Rivals — isn't just any elite talent. The son of former Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Ad- dai is no stranger to the Midwest given his father's pro career, and Marcus Freeman has done a tremendous job recruiting the kids of former NFL players. ASA BURCH EDGE • 6-3½, 220 Class Of 2028 Warren (Ohio) Warren G. Harding The Skinny: The major riser in the recent Rivals rankings update is trending toward Notre Dame. Now the No. 6 edge and No. 37 overall player nationally in America, Burch, a Michigan legacy, has been predicted by multiple Rivals insiders to land at his father's alma mater, but the Irish are surging. The son of Alfie Burch loved his time at Notre Dame for the Michigan State game last month, and his return for the Miami game is huge. The sense is that Burch could make a com- mitment this calendar year. If that's the case, Notre Dame is in a really good spot. Charlie Partridge and the Irish staff have done a tre- mendous job recruiting Burch. KELLAN HALL DEFENSIVE LINE • 6-5, 275 Class Of 2028 Christian Academy of Louisville (Ky.) The Skinny: Hall, the No. 1 defensive line- man and No. 4 overall player in America per Rivals, will commit to a lucky program in Jan- uary 2027, likely making this his final Notre Dame game-day visit before his decision. The Irish staff will do everything in its power to make a big move in his recruitment. Kentucky is considered the leader, and Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennes- see are high on his list. Notre Dame remains in the mix and was an early leader for him. This will mark his fifth Notre Dame visit, showing how much he likes and values the program. But will it be enough to overcome the Wildcats? ZAIDEN JERNIGAN RB • 5-10½, 195 Class Of 2028 Louisville (Miss.) High The Skinny: Notre Dame rarely signs play- ers from Mississippi — its most recent signee from the state was defensive back Caleb Of- ford in the 2020 cycle — but the Irish may buck that trend in the 2028 cycle with Jerni- gan, the No. 6 running back and No. 68 over- all player in the land per Rivals. The feeling is that this visit could give Notre Dame the lead over Oklahoma (if that's not already the case), and Jernigan may even be thinking about committing. Sources in South Bend are feeling great about Jernigan. GABRIEL PLAYER LB • 6-3, 190 Class Of 2028 Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie The Skinny: Miami and Notre Dame are the top two programs in Player's recruitment, while LSU, Florida, Texas A&M and Ohio State are in the mix as well. BGI understands that Notre Dame linebackers coach Brian Jean- Mary stopped by Player's high school during the bye week. It will be Player's first Notre Dame visit, and beating Miami could go a long way toward landing him. Player is the No. 4 linebacker and No. 88 overall prospect in the country according to Rivals. F O O T B A L L RECRUITING Five Most Anticipated Visitors For Notre Dame's Home Clash Against Miami Kellan Hall — seen here with Irish head coach Marcus Freeman, his mother, Youri, and his father, Draper — is the highest-ranked confirmed visitor for Notre Dame's key matchup against Miami Nov. 7. Rivals ranks the five-star talent as the No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 4 overall player in the nation. PHOTO COURTESY KELLAN HALL