It’s been a fantastic day for Notre Dame football recruiting. With 4-Star Edge Aidan O’Neil coming into the fold this morning, the Irish get great news on the other side of the ball. During an announcement on the Pat McAffee Show, 4-Star quarterback Wonderful “Champ” Monds gave his public commitment to Notre Dame and its 2027 football recruiting class.
Champ Monds was the top quarterback in the 2028 recruiting class, but recently reclassified to the 2027 class. While he is considered as a 4-Star prospect, there’s a better than good chance he’s closer to a 5-Star by the end of the cycle as he gets his last year of HS football under his belt and is reevaluated. Predictions for an Irish commitment came in quickly after a spring visit, and we have anticipated an announcement since that visit to Notre Dame.
The 6’2” 225 pound quarterback from Vero Beach High School in Vero Beach, Florida, chose the Irish over his other two finalists; the Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida State Seminoles. He was heavily recruited by most of the country and held big offers from the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Miami Hurricanes, Michigan Wolverines, and many more.
-Stocky pocket passer that can push the ball around the yard.
-Will head to college a year early after electing to reclassify, but missed significant time in 2025 due to injury.
-Showcases impressive touch and trajectory on deep shots.
-Frequently connects with targets on time over the middle.
-Motors away from pressure with slick agility and will keep his eyes down field.
-Continues to improve turnover rate, but must get better at finding a rhythm, especially in adverse situations.
-Should be viewed as a young signal-caller that has put extremely encouraging flashes on tape since his freshman campaign, but one that has to still put it all together.
-Projects as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level.
Monds is now the 12th commitment for Notre Dame’s 2027 football recruiting class, and the fourth commit from the state of Florida. The Irish have been on a bit of a heater in the Sunshine State with 3 of the last 4 commitments coming from Florida.
The Irish continue to stack talent all over its roster, but what they have been doing at quarterback is something we really haven’t seen. Getting a reclassified player — especially at Notre Dame — isn’t a common thing at all. And yet… Notre Dame will now have two reclassified quarterbacks on the roster in 2027 in Teddy Jarrard and Champ Monds. Both of those QB’s were at the very top of their original class, so whatever the ranking they get in the class above them, it really goes to the wayside once they arrive in South Bend.
This is a massive pickup for the Irish, both because of the talent Monds possesses as well as winning a big recruiting battle in Florida against some of the best in the country.
