Notre Dame beats Ohio State for coveted 5-star defensive end Brenan Vernon

Brenan Vernon picks the Notre Dame football program over Ohio State for his commitment.

While Notre Dame football fans rejoice after getting the verbal from five-star defensive end Brenan Vernon for 2023, the Ohio State football program missed out on a fantastic in-state player.

Brenan Vernon 247 rankings

Vernon announced his decision on Twitter Tuesday night. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is the No. 2 player from Ohio, the No. 6 defensive lineman in his class and the No. 18 overall player nationally.

Vernon had 13 offers but ultimately picked the Fighting Irish over the Buckeyes. Five 247 recruiting experts projected Vernon to be heading to Columbus instead of to South Bend.

Notre Dame 2023 commits, recruiting class ranking

With the commitment of Vernon, Notre Dame now has the nation’s No. 3 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. Vernon joins Keon Keeley as the two commitments for the 2023 class.

Brenan Vernon picks Notre Dame over Ohio State

Defensive line coach Mike Elston served as Vernon’s primary recruiter to Notre Dame, while new defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman served as his secondary. Again, it is insanely early in the recruiting cycle, but Ohio State is without any commitments for their 2023 class.

Will Ohio State be able to offset missing out on Vernon?

Most definitely, but you have to wonder why the Buckeyes were unable to seal the deal with a top-20 player from their own backyard in-state? Then again, the other notable player from Mentor, Ohio did not stay in-state in former North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. However, Vernon is the far superior high school prospect of the two.

Look for Notre Dame to build on this incredible commitment to make its 2023 class spectacular.

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