Notre Dame Versus Ohio State Brings Unique Recruiting Upside

Notre Dame is set for their biggest game of the season on Saturday when Ohio State comes to South Bend. The importance of this game for the 2023 season can't be understated. The impact extends beyond just on the field.

It is also set to be a massive recruiting weekend for the Irish. With a long list of impressive recruits set to make the travels, Notre Dame has a real chance to put the recruiting world on notice. There are several reasons why this weekend is so important from a recruiting perspective.

MIDWEST IMPACT

The goal for Notre Dame is to get back to the top of college football, sit among the elite in the country and contend for national championships on a yearly basis. In order for the program to get to that level, they must first become the unquestioned premier program in the Midwest.

As it currently stands, Ohio State holds that distinction both from an on field and recruiting perspective. Michigan also threatens the Irish with their success on the field over the last two seasons. On Saturday, the Irish program will have a chance to flex their muscles amongst a long list of recruits scheduled to visit campus.

Due to proximity to one another, Notre Dame and Ohio State often battle for recruits. Over the last several years, the Buckeyes have had more than their fair share of victories over the Irish. Players like Pete Werner, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, Garrett Stover, Jason Moore and Dallan Hayden quickly come to mind.

Notre Dame has had some victories over the years, such as linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and offensive tackle Guerby Lambert just in the 2024 recruiting cycle. They just need to have more victories, more frequently. If the Irish are able to come out with a big victory on Saturday, that is proof that there is no limit on just how good they can be.

There’s a lot on stake this Saturday, from 2023 success, recruiting and finding the true King of the Midwest.

THE NATIONAL NARRATIVE

The great thing about Notre Dame and Ohio State is that they are both national brands that bring a lot of notoriety to the table. This isn’t just regional implications. Recruits and fans from all corners of the country know both the programs, including the reputations they carry.

With College GameDay on campus as well, this game is going to demand the national spotlight. This game is going to potentially reach a whole new demographic of fan and recruits who might not even be on the radar right now. People will be watching.

When someone goes to Notre Dame it is because they want to be on the biggest stage and profit off of the brand. Being seen on this type of stage is one thing, winning is another. A victory against a premier program in college football could attract the attention against a lot of players, some who would otherwise not strongly consider the Irish beforehand.

PERFECT TIMING WITH DEUCE

Notre Dame has seen the impact that having a big time quarterback can have on a recruiting class, just last year actually with the 2024 class. As soon as they landed a commitment from Michigan signal caller CJ Carr, the flood gates opened up. Wide receiver Cam Williams and tight end Jack Larsen quickly followed. Flash forward several months and Notre Dame has managed to put together arguably their best offensive class in a very long time.

With 2025 Mississippi star Deuce Knight now in the class, the Irish staff has a chance to pull off something similar. Knight is set to visit for the Ohio State game, which was massive even before he made his commitment. Now that he has pledged to the Irish, this weekend has a chance to be even bigger.

This Ohio State weekend is going to be the biggest recruiting weekend of the 2023 season for Notre Dame. With a big name quarterback now in the class, it’s going to be even more ammo to attract some of the other top 2025 recruits on campus. There aren’t many better recruiting pitches than seeing your future quarterback in person. Other players understand the importance, and impact that can have.

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Irish Breakdown Content

2023 Scholarship Chart
2023 Football Schedule

Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

2024 Commit Rankings - Offense
2024 Commit Rankings - Defense

2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense

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