Michigan State targets Notre Dame recruit Amarri Irving amid coaching shift
Amarri Irving’s recruitment dynamics have shifted with the departure of Notre Dame’s linebackers coach and the presence of his father’s legacy at East Lansing.
Michigan State University is actively pursuing a change of allegiance from one of the University of Notre Dame’s 2027 commitments, Florida linebacker Amarri Irving. The Spartans intensified their recruitment efforts following Irving’s official visit to East Lansing over the weekend, according to reporting by Jason Killop via Yahoo Sports’ Fighting Irish Wire.
Irving, a four-star prospect, originally pledged his support to the Irish in November 2025. However, the recruitment landscape has evolved significantly since that initial commitment. The primary catalyst for this renewed interest appears to be the departure of former Notre Dame linebackers coach Max Bullough, who has returned to his alma mater to take a position at Michigan State.
Family connections remain a central pillar of the Spartans’ strategy. Irving’s father, Sedrick Irving, is a former running back and alumnus of Michigan State. This legacy tie provides the visiting program with a direct line of influence, leveraging historical ties to encourage the recruit to reconsider his initial decision.
The situation has been categorised as a critical "flip watch" within college football recruiting circles. While Irving remains a committed member of the Notre Dame roster, the combination of a high-profile coaching change and familial precedent has created a viable pathway for Michigan State to secure his services.
Notre Dame is now tasked with defending its standing with the 2027 class prospect. The outcome of this recruitment battle will likely hinge on how effectively the Irish can address the loss of Bullough and compete against the entrenched legacy presence at East Lansing.
