2027 QB Malachi Zeigler Shines at Notre Dame’s Irish Invasion
2027 Benton (La.) quarterback Malachi Zeigler made a strong impression on Friday during his return to Notre Dame for Irish Invasion.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder was one of the top performers in a talented quarterback group and stood out during the workout under the direction of Irish quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli.
“It was a really good camp and really fun,” stated Zeigler. “I think I did well. There are always things and throws you want back, but overall, I put my best foot forward.”
Guidugli made the trip to Louisiana last year to watch Zeigler throw and the two have maintained a strong connection ever since. Getting another chance to work with him in person was a major draw for Zeigler to get back to South Bend.
“His coaching style is very funny, blunt,” said Ziegler. “He’s the type of guy you can put in serious work, get better and enjoy it at the same time.”
The Louisiana native’s return to South Bend wasn’t just about football. His family wanted to see if their initial visit earlier this spring, one that left a strong impression, still held up.
“It was a beautiful campus when we came up,” explained Zeigler. “We had a lot of fun. The feeling we got, the vibe, the conversation we had with all the coaches, it was a place we felt showed some interest and we wanted to gauge that we can get back up here.”
Notre Dame has yet to offer a quarterback in the 2027 class, but Zeigler isn’t concerned.
“They are a prestigious college,” Zeigler said. “They have every right to take as much time as they need. From my perspective, if they decide not to offer, I’m very grateful for everything they’ve shown me - the hospitality.”
Zeigler will now continue his summer visits, making a few more stops in the coming weeks before shutting down to dial in for his junior year.
“Monday, we’ll be at Ohio State,” stated Zeigler. “I’ll get out to SMU, Michigan and Tennessee as well. Aside from that, I’m going to spend as much time with my team as possible. I think we can really have a great year and turn it around from last year with a new staff. I’m optimistic about that, so I want to spend as much time with them as I can.”
Zeigler’s travel-heavy summer is part of a thoughtful approach to the recruiting process as it’s aimed at finding the best overall fit.
“Honestly, in a position like mine, I’m extremely blessed for the recruiting attention I’m getting,” stated Zeigler. “When you have something like that, I feel like it’s the player’s job to do his due diligence to ensure that wherever you end up is the right fit. In my eyes, the only way I can do that is to see as many places as I can and build relationships and go from there.”
While doing his research, Zeigler found that the Irish offense was a fit for him. He was quick to point out that Mike Denbrock will play to his quarterback’s strengths, which is a significant positive for Zeigler.
“The main thing that appeals to me is how they can tailor to their athletes,” explained Zeigler. “Last year, they had a. really good guy in Riley Leonard. He was extremely effective in the run game and they allowed him to do that.
“This year, depending on who they go with, they’re going to have some assets and to see them tailor to who they have behind center is extremely motivating when you’re looking for somewhere to go.”
If Notre Dame does offer, Zeigler admits it’d be a significant opportunity.
“I’ll be honest, to have the opportunity to come to a school as prestigious as this one - the education, the football program, but the path is not linear, it’s exponential and growing, and it’s growing rapidly,” Ziegler stated. “To have an opportunity to be part of that would be an honor in itself.”
Big picture, the Benton star isn’t in a rush to make a decision and has a plan laid out.
“Right now, the idea is to undergo my junior year and see where we’re at,” explained Zeigler. “This summer, we want to narrow it down to a top eight or nine. I’m not sure we’ll release that, but at least within my family, we know who we’re looking at. I’ll play my junior season and during January, going into the spring, we plan on making a decision and use the entire summer and senior year to help recruit for wherever I end up going.”
And yes, we did have to ask the tough questions. There was a viral video of Zeigler's no-look pass in his spring game, but was he trying to hit the second guy?
“I’ll be honest, I had two guys in the vicinity I trusted throwing to,” laughed Zeigler. “I let Jesus take the wheel on that one.”
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