The recruiting competition in college football is on a hot trail and Notre Dame just faced another blow. Defensive lineman Markus Fakatou was touted to commit to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Instead, he pledged to the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

“Markus Fakatou committing to Ohio State on Monday makes it two players in two days who were once considered heavy leans to Notre Dame who ended up turning their backs on the Fighting Irish ahead of their big announcement day,” Oliver Vandervoort wrote on June 29. 

He announced his commitment on June 29 live on Rival’s YouTube channel. 

Fakatou followed the lead of 2028 quarterback Kingston Preyear as a Fighting Irish targets that picked the Buckeyes. Preyear made his commitment known on June 28. It appeared that Marcus Freeman and Co. had nearly landed him and Fakatou.

He is the nation’s second-highest-ranked defensive lineman, just behind Texas Tech commit Jalen Brewster, the top-ranked prospect on the 247 composite ranking on 247 Sports. He had over 36 offers, including colleges like Ohio, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon. 

The 6’6 and 275-pound DL from Orange City, California, is ranked No.45 overall. He is the No. 3 defensive lineman and No. 6 player in California in the 2027 class. When announcing his decision, he credited the defense line coaches for developing the line and ultimately swaying him to their side.

“That played a big role when it came down to who I was picking,” Fakatou said.

This is a major loss to the Fighting Irish who were vying for him.

“His athleticism and playmaking abilities made him a highly sought-after talent by numerous programs, including Notre Dame,” Slap the Sign wrote. 

What does Markus Fakatou’s scouting report say about him?

In his scouting report, Andrew Ivins reported about his background growing up in another state and how it would impact his program.

“Unique background as he grew up in Alaska, but projects as a potential impact player at the Power Four level with his physical features,” the director of scouting wrote in his evaluation.

Ivins wrote that Fakatou is a “rugged” defensive lineman with a huge frame. Even though he lacks the needed tempo for a rusher, he has the potential to build momentum. He disengages from blocker effectively “with a long arm and will find ways to split double teams.”

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have missed out on this prospect, but Ohio State has gained a powerhouse. What are your thoughts? 

Read more at the Michigan Football Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar