Notre Dame "Toward Top of List" For Top 2025 CB Mark Zackery IV

Mark Zackery IV‍ had been to Notre Dame multiple times and the elite 2025 Indiana cornerback had even been to big games in South Bend before, but Saturday’s showdown against Ohio State was different.

“It went super well,” the 6-foot, 160-pounder told Irish Sports Daily afterward. “I had a great time. I got to connect with the coaches again. It gave me great vibes. 

“I got to see what it feels like for a big game and getting that feeling from this kind of school, giving, a different perspective on what I would be seeing if I was to go here. It's definitely a school that is toward the top of my list.”

The Ben Davis High School star was at this summer’s Grill & Chill event and was even at last year’s Clemson game, but this was different.

“I feel like this year, I was more of a priority and being invited to one of these type of games and the other prospects and commits who were there,” he said. “Getting to talk to some of those guys on why they felt like this is the right place for them, getting their perspective on things. 

“We were sitting by the student section and I was sitting in the front row, so I was more into the game this time and getting to experience it firsthand was pretty cool.”

Despite the loss to the Buckeyes on virtually the game’s final play, Zackery was impressed with the Irish’s performance.

“I felt like it went pretty well,” he said. “The defense was doing well. They only allowed 17 points the whole game and it came down to that one-yard play, so it just shows that the defense was playing super well. 

“The DBs did a pretty good job. especially at my position, the corner position. Ben (Morrison) and Cam (Hart) had great games. I was watching them very closely.”

Zackery was also watching Irish cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens very closely.

“I like his coaching style during the game and how he is outside the football field,” Zackery said. 

The Indianapolis native had the chance to speak with Mickens and other staff members before the game.

“They were just all about trying to get me to come to the school and preaching to me how they want me here, how I'm a great fit for them,” he recalled. “Talking the same thing in my ear, preaching that I'm one of the best players in the country and I'm in their home state, so they feel like I'm the type of person who fits for them and they want me to go to their school.”

Zackery will take trips to Ohio State, Michigan and Tennessee later this season, but is looking forward to continuing to keep in close contact with the Irish moving forward.

“Then breaking down the schools and what fits best for me and then making the top eight and then just building relationships from there,” he said of what’s next. 

The Irish certainly improved their standing with Zackery on Saturday.

“They're definitely toward the top of my list now. They were definitely up there already just because I've been there multiple times and got to talk to the coaches and get to experience how they feel about me. But getting to see it firsthand with the other players and being around those type of guys, it was a different feel this time. They're definitely a place I'm definitely considering heavily.”

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