Coach | 2027 Notre Dame QB Target Kamden Lopati A True Leader
Kamden Lopati’s recruitment took a significant turn on last week when Notre Dame extended an offer to the 2027 Utah quarterback.
The 6-foot-3, 214-pounder has been committed to Illinois since July, but the Irish re-entered the picture in a serious way after Teddy Jarrard reclassified to the Class of 2026, creating an opening at quarterback for Notre Dame in 2027.
Lopati’s offer list now includes Notre Dame and Illinois in addition to schools like Oregon, Michigan, Michigan State, Stanford, Tennessee, Duke, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Iowa State and Duke among others.
West High School head coach Olosa'a Solovi has been impressed with how his signal-caller has handled all of the spotlight.
“I just think he’s kind of an old soul,” Solovi told Irish Sports Daily. “It’s his ability to continue to lead and work and not allow all the hype that comes with it to get to him. He kind of shies away from a lot of the attention and just gets to work.
“We really love his leadership and his example. Just a great kid overall.”
Lopati pairs that maturity with physical tools that have elevated him to national attention.
“His arm is tremendous,” Solovi said. “He’s got a great arm, but one of the things that is really underestimated is his feet and his legs. He used his legs a lot this year. One of the things that is underrated is his speed and his athleticism.”
There is still room for growth, particularly in the intermediate passing game, according to Solovi.
“He’s got a great deep ball, throws a really good ball, but just his intermediate ball,” he said. “Overall, just getting better at what he’s already doing. He’s really honing in on his process and continuing to do that.
“He really worked on how to study film. His whole process right now is preparing him to be better every day. He doesn’t really talk too much about what he does great. He just continues to work hard every day.”
Notre Dame remained persistent even after Lopati pledged elsewhere. Solovi said the Irish have visited in person and have been transparent about their interest.
“They’ve come a few times to visit him,” Solovi said. “They’ve asked what it would take to get him to change his mind.
“Illinois has built a great relationship and he has a great relationship with Illinois. He’s just looking for a great fit.”
Lopati took an unofficial visit to South Bend last year, which left a strong impression.
“Notre Dame is definitely something special,” Solovi said. “He was excited for that offer.”
The Salt Lake City native now finds himself weighing his commitment against renewed interest from the Irish and other programs.
“I think that’s what he’s going through right now,” Solovi said. “He doesn’t want to do anything too crazy.
“He’s committed to Illinois, but Notre Dame and a few other schools like Michigan are places where he feels like he has to get himself educated and see if it’s something he should explore.”
Solovi indicated his quarterback would like to have his situation settled before the start of his senior season.
“He wants to have this done by early-June,” the coach said. “He wants to have it done by the summer so he can just focus.
“It’s stressful, but this is a good stress. It’s something he’s grateful for. It’s definitely a blessing. He’s very grateful for the love Notre Dame showed.”
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