Notre Dame football getting a big chance with a priority 2027 recruiting target, but a hated rival could be the thorn in their side

When you talk about the 2027 recruiting class for Notre Dame, and more specifically the wide receiver position, most people start the conversation by asking about Indianapolis (Ind.) Lawrence North elite pass catcher Monshun Sales. It’s understandable why the questions start there. Having a five-star caliber athlete in the state of Indiana is a rare thing. 

Rivals vice president of recruiting Steve Wiltfong released a recruiting update about Sales this week. There is some good news for the Fighting Irish program. That includes them receiving a game visit from him this fall for their game against Texas A&M on September 13. 

“I love everything about the program and what comes with it,” Sales told Wiltfong.

While it's nice to hear that Sales has a high opinion of Notre Dame, Wiltfong also added commentary for where the Fighting Irish stand. As of today, Ohio State and Alabama are the two teams sitting at the top. The Buckeyes feel like the leader of that two-man group as well. 

The Indiana native will also be heading back to Columbus on August 30 when Ohio State takes on Texas. That has a chance to be one of the better football games all season. 

Even with Notre Dame a little down the list for Sales, a game visit gives the Fighting Irish a chance to make a massive move. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Irish quarterback commit Teddy Jarrard on campus as well. You never know what could happen with a great visit, although this one does feel like an unlikely landing for Notre Dame right now. 

Sales has the look of an elite recruit in the 2027 recruiting class already. He is extremely well-liked from a ranking perspective, currently sitting as the No. 13 overall player, No. 2 wide receiver, and No. 1 player in the state of Indiana on the 247Sports composite ranking. Obviously keeping the top player from your home state is vitally important, especially with a wideout already rated as a five-star player. 

The 6-5, 195-pound pass catcher has already demanded the attention of some of the top schools in all of college football. Some of Sales’ top offers so far include the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Penn State, Florida State, Auburn, Missouri, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Louisville, Michigan State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois, and Purdue among others.

As a sophomore in 2024, Sales was a difference maker for arguably the top program in the state. In 11 games played, he hauled in 34 receptions for 568 yards and seven touchdowns. Sales is also a dominant blocker on the perimeter, which isn’t surprising at all based on his size.