His positional value and the compromised timeline due to injury/rehab suggest that KVA really needs to thread the needle to make going into the '27 draft an obvious play for him. Keep in mind that he has now endured a serious injury each year in college and has never been available for a full season. Factoring in how much he and his family (his mom is one of the biggest Irish boosters you'll find on social media) have embraced ND, I tend to think odds of departure are less than 50/50. I'd actually take the opposite tack and say that if KVA goes pro in the spring, then the 2026 season must have gone really really well for ND.

Just my $0.02.

but that is where Alexander comes in right? I think he is next in line. Not sure how comparable they are, but the staff has done well in keep the pipeline ready.

than 50-50 that he returns in 2027. Three variables, IMO: (1) does he need to come back to get his degree; (2) when does he truly return (to his full ability) in 2026; and (3) based on (2), what's his 2027 draft projection, and does he have an opportunity to materially increase his stock if he returns.

At one point, I think one of the pods said that it was their understanding that his (and his family's) plan was not to leave early. But obviously, that could change.

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but if Sneed stuck around for this ride, I have to believe that Ausberry would a year from now if a starting spot's potentially on the table.

If he feels he's going to need to compete (again) for a spot at ND. But he does seem like a great kid who probably recognizes he'll have a wonderful opportunity for lots of playing time in the bright lights.

ND will have plenty of capital to throw around to bring experienced players like Ausberry back to train the young bucks. I doubt the NFL opportunity at that point will outpace what we can offer, assuming he's not totally sick of college.

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They'll lose Sneed, will probably lose Bowen and KVA. Ausberry will have an interesting decision to make. Faraimo will obviously be a big piece. But will they need to look to the portal? Will Henderson jump some older players? Will a member of the Kia family be ready?

I keep hearing some of the podcasters saying that they'll absolutely be portal-shopping, but I'm not so sure that's actually true. If Freeman keeps stressing the developmental nature of our program, that's one position where we should rely on out scouting/coaching/development, even in the face of some recent coaching turnover.

His stature isn't a dealbreaker but would likely require a year or two in the S&C program to threaten as a legit contributor. At VT or MSU, he's quite possibly on the field year one.

And didn't mind if he didn't contribute for a few seasons. Maybe he started feeling differently when he talked to other coaches, including Bullough who was trying to get him to MSU.

In any event, probably best for all parties.

And it's weird that he ever committed to the Irish in the first place with what happened with his brother. I would have guessed that both sides would be super upfront and transparent about things after Sedrick went to Stanford (after decommitting).

Not only that but we need some LBs in the class. And maybe he's not a 5* but he never seemed like a filler type take. He was unlikely to highlight this class but I think ND was interested all the way.

News that Parks dropped the Oregon visit next week. But seems like he's still going to go. ND has a lot in its corner in that battle, but the kid seems enamored with the Ducks.

Winding up with Henderson and Igwebuike after scrambling quite a bit with LB recruiting this cycle would be one hell of a win.

Several sources suggested as much after the MSU visit, assuming he stopped looking around. Never heard the same about Terry and others who were 'gently' cut loose. Still a weird situation, bc these other schools Irvin has entertained pale in comparison.

No matter. Sesay + Parks + Igwuibuike + JJJ + Henderson + Simien are on the table. And maybe Alexander?

And pledged to Virginia Tech.

I was waiting for this to happen.

Appears he was recruited over because that's how ND rolls.

--
"F--- everyone who isn't us."
#Team128

We appear to be heavy favorites now for not only Sesay, but also Parks and Igwebuike. Henderson and Simien don't visit until next weekend, but the positive momentum for both of them seems to be building already - Henderson more than Simien, with multiple predictions for ND and some A&M recruiting folks waving the white flag.

Obviously, the staff still has to close, but they have a pretty good chance to finish with five of the top 21 recruits nationally in the Rivals rankings, eight of the top 100 and 16 of the top 250. And the upper ranks don't include players like Monds and Vaughn, who were national top-20 recruits in the 2028 class before they got ridiculously docked by the reclassification process.