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4-star Notre Dame commit '100 percent' locked in despite staff changes
Top 2027 cornerback recruit Ace Alston reaffirms commitment after Notre Dame coaching shakeup.
Feb. 9, 2026 at 2:31pm
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Four-star cornerback Ace Alston, a top recruit in the Class of 2027, has reaffirmed his commitment to Notre Dame despite recent coaching changes on the Fighting Irish staff. Alston was originally recruited by Mike Mickens, who recently left Notre Dame to take a job with the Baltimore Ravens. Alston stated he remains '100 percent' committed to the Irish despite Mickens' departure and his replacement by new defensive backs coach Aaron Henry.
Why it matters
Coaching changes can often lead to decommitments from top recruits, so Alston's decision to stay committed to Notre Dame despite the staff shakeup is an important win for the program as they look to build their 2027 recruiting class.
The details
Alston, the No. 11 cornerback in the Class of 2027, was originally recruited to Notre Dame by Mike Mickens. When Mickens left to take a job with the Baltimore Ravens, there were questions about whether Alston would stick with his commitment to the Fighting Irish. However, Alston has now publicly stated that he remains '100 percent' committed to Notre Dame despite the coaching change, a major boost for the program's 2027 recruiting efforts.
- The NFL season ended in February 2026, leading to a wave of coaching changes at both the professional and college levels.
- Mike Mickens left Notre Dame to join the Baltimore Ravens' coaching staff in early 2026.
- Aaron Henry was hired as Notre Dame's new defensive backs coach, replacing Mickens, in early 2026.
The players
Ace Alston
A four-star cornerback recruit in the Class of 2027 and the No. 11 player at his position nationally.
Mike Mickens
The former Notre Dame defensive backs coach who left the program to take a job with the Baltimore Ravens.
Aaron Henry
The new Notre Dame defensive backs coach, hired to replace Mike Mickens.
What they’re saying
“I'm still 100 percent committed to Notre Dame.”
— Ace Alston (slapthesign.com)
What’s next
Alston's continued commitment to Notre Dame is a major boost for the program as they look to finalize their 2027 recruiting class in the coming months.
The takeaway
Alston's decision to remain committed to Notre Dame despite coaching changes shows the strength of the program's recruiting efforts and the appeal of the school to top prospects, even when there is staff turnover.
