Notre Dame has gotten off to a strong start in the 2027 recruiting class, and that run should only continue over the next couple of months. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish have several key targets who have already scheduled both official and unofficial visits during the spring and summer.
The next several months are going to be hectic on the recruiting front, with many battles that will need to be won. While I like where Notre Dame is with several key targets, there might not be one whose position I like better than with St. Joseph (Ill.) Ogden offensive tackle Cameron Wagner. The Illinois native has long been a favorite of offensive line coach Joe Rudolph, and the interest has been reciprocated since the very beginning.
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While there hasn’t been a firm timeline set by Wagner for making a decision, I wouldn’t be shocked if something concrete was cemented sometime in the near future. Folks around South Bend continue to feel very good about their chances with Wagner. There’s no reason to believe that momentum won’t continue with the feedback I have gotten on that recruitment recently.
As of today, I love where things stand between Notre Dame and Wagner. The Irish staff will need to close strong, but I believe they will. He would be a really nice offensive tackle addition to go along with Pittsburgh native James Halter.
Cameron Wagner’s recruiting background
Wagner is considered to be a four-star player on each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Wagner is rated as the No. 316 overall player, the No. 32 offensive tackle, and the No. 11 player from the state of Illinois in the 2027 recruiting class. Keeping talented players from the Chicagoland area has become increasingly important for Freeman and the Irish staff.
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It isn’t too much of a surprise that there has been a long list of impressive suitors who have pursued Wagner. The Illinois native holds offers from the Fighting Irish, Ohio State, Oregon, Ole Miss, Florida, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida State, Auburn, Nebraska, Iowa, UNC, Louisville, Indiana, Boston College, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Purdue, among others.
At 6-6, 300 pounds, Wagner has an impressive blend of size and athleticism. With his requisite length and foot quickness, it should provide the Illinois standout an opportunity to stick at offensive tackle. Wagner also has the demeanor and power profile to play inside at guard. That versatility is something that Rudolph has valued tremendously in the past.
On top of being an impressive player, Wagner is also a local product. Keeping top talent from their backyard remains a priority for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Irish program. Wagner could be a great starting point for the program to land quite the haul from the Chicagoland area. Other players, like defensive tackles Brayden Parks and David Folorunsho, and defensive back Tavares Harrington, are key targets to know from the area.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
