2027 QB Kamden Lopati Reacts to Notre Dame Offer, Relationship with Gino Guidugli

2027 West High School quarterback Kamden Lopati‍ saw his patience rewarded this week when Notre Dame Fighting Irish football extended an offer.

The four-star prospect had visited Notre Dame previously, but the Irish landed Teddy Jarrard around the same time Lopati committed to Illinois last summer. 

Jarrard has since reclassified to 2026, paving the way for Gino Guidguli to offer the Utah native. 

“It was a blessing,” Lopati told ISD. “It was definitely like a dream come true. It was one of those offers that I don't really know how to explain. It was definitely up there on the list, if that makes sense.” 

The 6-foot-3, 214-pound Utah native and Guidugli aren’t starting from scratch. Lopati attended camp in South Bend and came away impressed by the way the Irish assistant coached him.

“I think it's a pretty good relationship,” explained Lopati. “I mean, he has no filter. “He's very funny. I like it, so that's the main thing that sticks out. I went to the camp and stuff. He was coaching me up pretty good, so that also sticks out.” 

Lopati also believes knowing Guidugli’s personality on and off the field could help with a future decision. 

“It definitely means a lot,” stated Lopati. “He gets on you a little more, but it’s just good to see that you get the same person. It’s just a little angrier version when you don't make it to the throws, but it's nice to know. He cares.” 

Notre Dame isn’t the only program attempting to flip the Illinois pledge, and any potential visits will be a family decision.

“That’s up to my parents,” said Lopati. “We haven’t really thought about it, but we’ll see how that all turns out.” 

January brought a wave of attention to West High School as programs from across the country stopped by. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Lopati embraced it.

“It’s just part of the process,” Lopati explained. “I think it's something that I always wanted and now I'm getting it, so I can't complain about it. It’s always a good problem to have, so I’m not stressed about it.” 

Earlier this year, Lopati tested himself against elite competition at the Under Armour All-America Game. He completed 9 of 15 passes for 105 yards and added a 14-yard run.

The most significant growth didn’t come on the field, but rather in learning that extra work was needed during the week to perform well. 

“I think just the competition,” Lopati said. “I think it's kind of like a thing where you kind of just get thrown in there and if you don't do your stuff by yourself in your hotel room with your roommate – my roommate and I did the plays with each other, so that was a big thing with it.

“I think it's just the competitiveness between everybody. It's kind of like a different level of high school. I was kind of playing JV and then got to Florida, it was kind of like varsity, so it was pretty fun to play in.” 

Lopati also built a connection with Jarrard during the week.

“I was talking to Teddy,” stated Lopati. “I didn’t really know who he was and what he looked like or whatever. We went to the bowling alley and that's kind of when we were talking. That's really how we got connected and stuff, but we're pretty cool friends.” 

This offseason, Lopati’s focus is on sharpening the mental side of his game.

“I'm not perfect at quarterback whatsoever, so I think all aspects of it,” said Lopati. “I think IQ-wise is something that I do need practice with, so that's something that I need to pay more attention to in the offseason.” 

Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD