A Recruiting Battle for the 2027 Secondary
Notre Dame is intensifying its pursuit of Karnell "Greedy" James, a highly rated defensive prospect in the 2027 recruiting class who currently wears a Texas jersey and remains verbally committed to the Texas Longhorns.
James, a three‑star safety according to 247 Sports, announced that he will take an official visit to South Bend this weekend, a move that could tip the balance in the Fighting Irish's favor.
The visit follows a recent trip to Baton Rouge, where he observed LSU's program up close; his family has deep roots in Louisiana, adding a personal dimension to his decision.
While Texas remains his verbal commitment, the allure of a potential flip has attracted attention from several powerhouse programs, including Lane Kiffin's staff at Ole Miss and a host of other top schools that have extended offers.
In addition to James, Notre Dame already has pledged spots secured with Xavier Hasan, Ace Alston, John Gay III and Zayden Gamble, forming a secondary class that is already being described as elite.
James' junior season was marked by 53 total tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups, and he also returned two punts for touchdowns, numbers that have helped fuel his rising profile.
The timing of Notre Dame's official visit aligns with a critical juncture in James' recruitment timeline, and head coach Marcus Freeman's staff is eager to capitalize on the momentum.
The competition is not limited to LSU; programs such as Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon and a dozen others have also listed James among their top targets, making the race for his signature highly competitive.
If the Irish manage to secure James, it would not only bolster their defensive depth but also signal a continued ability to attract top talent despite the shifting landscape of college football recruiting.