Notre Dame’s bold QB move could define the 2027 class

CJ Carr - English Gino Guidugli - English Jorge Guevara - Raíz Keegan Croucher - English Marcus Freeman - English Mike Denbrock - English NCAAF - English Notre Dame Fighting Irish - English Peyton Houston - English Sports

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While most programs are zeroed in on the upcoming season, Notre Dame is quietly building out its future-several years into the future, to be exact.

With five-star QB CJ Carr expected to lead the Irish soon, head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have their sights set on who might follow. One name is already rising above the rest: Peyton Houston. The Louisiana quarterback, who just wrapped up his sophomore season, landed a scholarship offer from Notre Dame and is officially on the radar for the 2027 class.

Houston, currently ranked the No. 8 QB in his class by On3, combines a big arm, sharp decision-making, and mobility. His current numbers? 4,480 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, just six picks, plus 690 rushing yards and seven more scores. He’s the type of dual-threat talent that gets programs buzzing early-and Notre Dame didn’t want to wait. QB coach Gino Guidugli has made multiple spring trips to Louisiana to keep tabs on Houston, and this month’s offer signals just how high he’s climbed on the Irish big board.

Houston thanked the staff on X with a Bible verse and a nod to Freeman, Guidugli, and OC Mike Denbrock. It wasn’t his first impression of South Bend, though. He visited in April and came away impressed with the program’s culture and feel. That trip may end up being more important than anyone realized at the time.

More Than Just One QB in the Mix

But Houston’s not the only young QB drawing Irish interest.

Keegan Croucher, a 6’4″ multi-sport athlete from Connecticut, made waves at Notre Dame’s summer camp circuit. He threw for Freeman and the full staff in South Bend and earned praise for both his arm and poise. “The whole day was really good,”Croucher told Irish Illustrated. He hasn’t picked up an offer yet, but it’s clear the Irish are watching closely.

Croucher already holds offers from Penn State, Oregon, and other top programs, and has visited several Big Ten schools. Still, he made it clear that if Notre Dame enters the race officially, they’ll be a serious contender.

As both young QBs continue to rise, Notre Dame is making early moves to build the foundation of its next quarterback room. Whether Houston or Croucher-or both-end up in blue and gold is still a long way from decided. But one thing’s certain: Marcus Freeman isn’t waiting around to find out who’s next.

This news was originally published on this post .