Notre Dame’s top 2027 quarterback target could be becoming clear, and the Fighting Irish should be all in on the star passer from the Midwest

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff have been riding a lot of recruiting momentum over the last couple of months. There aren’t a ton of questions with the football program on the trail right now, but 2027 quarterback recruiting is one of them. It’s more of intrigue than legitimate questions right now, but is worth monitoring. 

Here’s the question that needs to be answered: Who does Notre Dame really like at quarterback for that class? As we sit here today, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterback coach Gino Guidugli have yet to offer a single signal caller for 2027. Several names have been mentioned, but they continue to evaluate the class and really figure out who their top targets are. 

That potential top target may be surfacing, and he is a local standout. Arlington Heights (Ill.) Montini Catholic quarterback Israel Abrams has had his name floated around by various sites, and I have verified that there is very real Notre Dame interest right now. While an offer hasn’t been extended as of yet, my money would be for Abrams to potentially be the first, and possibly in the near future. 

Abrams is considered to be a four-star recruit by every major recruiting platform. On the 247Sports Composite ranking, Abrams is currently rated as the No. 66 overall player, No. 8 quarterback, and No. 4 player in the state of Illinois for the 2027 recruiting class. He is also rated as a top 100 recruit by both Rivals and On3. 

The Illinois native has continued to garner interest from notable programs around college football this offseason. Some of Abrams’ top offers so far include Tennessee, Ole Miss, Michigan State, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, Toledo, Miami (OH), and Western Michigan among others. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Notre Dame join that list soon. 

As a sophomore, Abrams put together a tremendous season for Montini Catholic. The 6-4, 180-pound passer managed to throw for 2,033 yards and 29 touchdowns. Abrams added another 335 yards on the ground while only throwing three interceptions. 

From a pure talent perspective, Abrams has a ton of upside as a passer. He is a taller quarterback with easy natural arm strength, and a ton of arm talent to threaten all levels of the field. Abrams is also a long strider who can be a threat with his legs. This is a toolsy kid with a ton of underlying upside to develop.