Joakim Gouda has quickly become a serious name to watch on Notre Dame’s linebacker board.
The 2027 Georgia linebacker plans to visit South Bend for Junior Day this weekend as the Irish look to build momentum after entering the recruitment relatively recently.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound defender holds offers from Notre Dame, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Kentucky among many others.
The South Paulding standout said the visit came together shortly after Notre Dame’s staff transition to Brian Jean-Mary being hired as linebackers coach.
“Coach BJ had just gotten hired a couple weeks ago and he called me,” Gouda said. “Then I talked to Coach Freeman and I really liked it. They wanted me to come on campus so we got it locked in.”
Gouda has begun building a relationship with Jean-Mary as the process continues to develop.
“He’s a great guy,” Gouda said. “I don’t know him as a coach that much yet, but I’d love to play for a guy with good core values. I want to learn more about him on the football side when I get up there.”
Head coach Marcus Freeman has also made an early impression.
“I love Coach Freeman,” Gouda said. “Him being a linebacker and coming from a place like Ohio State, it just fits. Notre Dame always has good linebackers and they’re really strong on the defensive side of the ball.”
Notre Dame’s staff has made it clear they see Gouda as a priority as they work to gain ground in the recruitment.
“They told me they think I’m a great guy and they like my film,” Gouda said. “They see me being a top guy in their linebacker group.”
The upcoming visit will give Gouda an opportunity to see the environment around the program firsthand.
“I want to see the culture and the atmosphere they have up there,” Gouda said. “I’m from down south so I don’t really know too much about Indiana or South Bend.”
He plans to continue evaluating several of the top programs involved in his recruitment as he works toward setting official visits later in the process.
“I’m going to take spring visits and then probably set up some officials after that.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Foul Ball Rope Adjustable Hat
