One of Alabama’s top prospects in the Class of 2027 is headed out of state to play college football.

Williamson linebacker Ellis McGaskin committed to Notre Dame on Monday afternoon. The 4-star Mobile, Ala., prospect also had offers from Miami, Michigan, Auburn, Ohio State and others.

“He went on a visit up there and loved it,” Williamson coach Antonio Coleman said. “He came back and had nothing but great things to say about it. Obviously, he still has more visits to take. He loves Ohio State, but he hasn’t been on campus yet. Oregon is another school he’s liked, but Notre Dame just blew his mind. Ever since he got back, he’s been all Notre Dame. It’s huge for him. I think he’ll fit in great there.”

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound McGaskin is No. 8 in the 247 Composite rankings for the Class of 2027 in Alabama. He is the No. 13 linebacker in the nation.

“I think he wants to be away for college,” Coleman said. “He doesn’t want to be the typical in-state kid. He wants to go somewhere different, spread his wings and do what he loves, and that is play ball and get a great education.”

As a sophomore, McGaskin was credited with 54 solo tackles, 66 assists, 21 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. He also rushed 33 times for 204 yards and 6 TDs. Coleman said he will have a role on offense for the Lions again this fall.

“He’s a sideline-to-sideline kid,” Coleman said. “He’s one of the smartest linebackers I’ve seen play in my career. Ellis is a student of the game. He watches film. He understands development. I think wherever he ends up in college, he’ll be a top 10 linebacker and probably an NFL draft pick eventually.”

Coleman said there are similarities between McGaskin and former Williamson and current Auburn linebacker Robert Woodyard.

“If you asked me which one was better on the high school level, I couldn’t tell you,” he said. “They are both similar on the field. It’s amazing.”

Coleman said he expects McGaskin to have his best year yet this fall.

“He’s worked his tail off in the offseason,” he said. “I’m excited for him. This will probably be his best season. He’s put on a ton of muscle. He’s working hard. He’s looked good in 7-on-7. There is not too much we’ve asked him to do that he hasn’t done, and he looks the part.”

McGaskin is the fourth commitment among the top 10 in-state players in 2027 and the third from Mobile. Vigor’s Jabarrius Garror is committed to Alabama, Thompson’s Cam Pritchett is committed to Oregon and McGaskin’s teammate, safety Jaylen Scott, is committed to Auburn.