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Notre Dame Misses on Top 2027 Linebacker Recruit
Josiah Poyer chooses USC over the Fighting Irish and other top programs.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:22pm
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The intense recruiting battle between Notre Dame and USC is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the high stakes and competitive nature of the rivalry.South Bend TodayNotre Dame's recruiting battle with USC has taken another turn, as 2027 linebacker prospect Josiah Poyer has committed to the Trojans over the Fighting Irish and other top programs. Poyer, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound prospect, was offered by both Notre Dame and USC in January but ultimately decided to stay closer to home and join the Trojans.
Why it matters
The rivalry between Notre Dame and USC remains fierce on the recruiting trail, even as the two storied programs take a break from playing each other on the field. This loss is a blow to Notre Dame's linebacker recruiting efforts for the 2027 class, though the Irish have already secured a commitment from Amarri Irvin and are in the mix for other elite prospects at the position.
The details
Josiah Poyer, the No. 738 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings, chose USC over Notre Dame, California, and Michigan. While not a highly ranked recruit, Poyer was believed by many to be undervalued by the scouting services. Notre Dame offered Poyer the same day as USC in January, but the linebacker never took a visit to South Bend, with distance likely playing a key factor in his decision to stay closer to home and join the Trojans.
- Notre Dame and USC both offered Poyer a scholarship in January 2026.
- Poyer announced his commitment to USC on March 27, 2026.
The players
Josiah Poyer
A 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker prospect in the class of 2027 who committed to USC over Notre Dame, California, and Michigan.
Amarri Irvin
A linebacker prospect in the class of 2027 who has already committed to Notre Dame.
What they’re saying
“While the rivalry between Notre Dame and USC is 'taking a break' on the field, the battle still wages on in recruiting.”
— Michael Chen, Author
What’s next
Notre Dame will look to rebound from this recruiting loss by continuing to pursue other top linebacker prospects for their 2027 class.
The takeaway
The recruiting rivalry between Notre Dame and USC remains intense, with the Trojans landing a key commitment from linebacker Josiah Poyer over the Fighting Irish. This loss highlights the ongoing battle between the two programs for top talent, even as they take a break from playing each other on the field.
