Four-Star Linebacker Amarri Irvin Commits to Notre Dame
- godcountryirish
- Nov 27, 2025
- 3 min read
In a move that sends shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, four-star linebacker Amarri Irvin announced his verbal commitment to Notre Dame on Wednesday, November 26, becoming the Fighting Irish's seventh pledge in the star-studded 2027 class. The 6-foot, 220-pound Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy standout chose the Irish over a gauntlet of blue-blood programs, including Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio State, and Alabama, signaling Notre Dame's rising dominance in the Sunshine State.
Irvin, ranked as the No. 204 overall prospect and No. 12 linebacker in the 247Sports Composite, becomes the second linebacker in Marcus Freeman's 2027 haul, joining three-star Mobile, Alabama product Ellis McGaskin. His addition catapults Notre Dame's class from No. 6 to a projected No. 4 nationally, underscoring the program's appeal to elite defensive talent.
A Positive Pedigree
Irvin isn't just any recruit—he has plenty of football pedigree. The IMG junior hails from a family steeped in gridiron excellence. His father, Sedrick Irvin Sr., was a standout fullback at Michigan State in the late 1990s before a four-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Sedrick Sr. later coached under Nick Saban at Alabama and held head coaching stints at South Florida high schools from 2011 to 2022. Amarri's older brother, Sedrick Jr., was an early Notre Dame commit in the 2023 cycle before flipping to Stanford, where he now plays as a junior running back. The brothers share a tight bond, with Amarri crediting his sibling for unwavering support.
The Irvin lineage extends further: Amarri is a cousin of Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, the Dallas Cowboys legend, and is related to former Auburn and East Carolina safety Tim Irvin. Yet, amid the star power, the family emphasizes balance. "That always comes first, no matter what," Amarri said of academics, a priority that aligns seamlessly with Notre Dame's renowned emphasis on the classroom.
Irvin's own journey began humbly. After a freshman year at Atlanta Woodward Academy in 2023—where he crossed paths with Irish freshman wideout Jerome Bettis Jr.—he transferred to IMG, the nation's premier prep program. His recruitment ignited in 2023 with an eighth-grade offer from Nebraska, but Notre Dame entered the fray during Pot of Gold Day in March of his sophomore year.
On-Field Dominance
What sets Irvin apart is his ferocious playmaking ability, honed on IMG's undefeated 2025 squad that routinely dismantled opponents. As a junior, he erupted for 36 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, three interceptions, and a pass deflection across nine games. His sophomore tape showed similar promise: 51 stops, a tackle for loss, two hurries, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery in eight outings.
Film doesn't lie, and Irvin's reels paint the picture of a linebacker with a bright future. He's a physical, instinctive tackler with a relentless motor, eager to engage blocks and close gaps on ball carriers in a flash. His instincts shine in coverage, where he sniffs out routes and undercuts passes for turnovers. In the Irish defense, expect him to play at multiple linebacker spots in order to maximize his impact and potential.
The Road to South Bend
Irvin's path to Notre Dame was paved with elite offers—26 in total, from powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Florida State, and Miami. He hosted visits to South Bend in June, during which college coaches could first contact 2027 prospects, and returned for the Oct. 11 home clash against NC State amid IMG's bye week. That game-day trip sealed it.
"They were really on me... I had two great visits there, and the coaches and recruiters are genuine people," Irvin shared. He narrowed his focus after witnessing the Irish defense "ball out," with linebackers excelling and the team rallying as one. Conversations with defensive coordinator Chris Ash affirmed his scheme fit, while recruiting staffers built lasting bonds.
Irvin's announcement carried a spiritual tone: "All Praise To The Most High! I’m blessed to be Fighting for the Irish! " With over a year until signing day, he's locked in, vowing no further visits and aiming to recruit peers: "I wanted to commit early to be a leader in this class and bring others along with me."
Boosting the Irish Pipeline
Irvin's pledge isn't just a win—it's a statement. Notre Dame's 2027 class now boasts depth at linebacker, pairing Irvin's explosiveness with McGaskin's upside. The Irish staff, led by Bullough, has long prized versatile, high-motor defenders, and Irvin embodies that archetype. Expect Irvin to ramp up for a senior explosion at IMG while solidifying Notre Dame's foothold in Florida. For a program perennially chasing national titles, landing a talent like Irvin early keeps the momentum rolling. The Fighting Irish are building a roster not just to compete, but to dominate—one commitment at a time.
Go Irish!
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