4-star LB Ellis McGaskin decommits from Notre Dame

Four-star linebacker Ellis McGaskin, the No. 254 overall prospect in the 2027 Rivals Industry Rankings, backed off from his verbal commitment to Notre Dame on Friday. He had been pledged to Marcus Freeman‘s program since June.

McGaskin has remained a coveted target despite his commitment to the Irish, with programs across the Southeast continuing their pursuit of the Mobile (Ala.) Williamson standout. Florida is hoping to host him on a visit soon and Georgia recently extended an offer.

The decommitment of McGaskin is an early blow to a Notre Dame recruiting class that entered the day ranked fifth in the 2027 Rivals Industry Team Rankings.

About Ellis McGaskin

McGaskin has been a stalwart for Williamson defensive coordinator Jon Mitchell, earning all-state honors for the Lions as a freshman, sophomore and junior.

“He diagnoses plays so fast that it allows him to play faster,” Mitchell told BlueAndGold.com last year. “He’s amazing to watch sometimes. He’s got a quick first step, so as soon as he sees the hole open up, it’s a tackle for loss every time. There are plays where he body slams kids sometimes. He’s getting there so fast. Athletically, his quick trigger and how fast he diagnoses plays are what make him such an elite-level linebacker.”