Jacobs and his family have a natural attraction to the Notre Dame program, and it doesn’t hurt that he also has a personal relationship with 2027 Fighting Irish quarterback commit Teddy Jarrard. Georgia has been viewed as the front runner for the 6-5, 225-pound pass rusher, but Notre Dame is making a strong charge.

Saturday’s 34-24 victory over USC paves the road for a march back to the College Football Playoff for Marcus Freeman and company.

Kickoff from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Irish are 9.5-point favorites in the latest Notre Dame vs. USC odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 60.5. Before making any USC vs. Notre Dame picks, make sure you check out what SportsLine college football expert Jimmie Kaylor has to say .

The Fighting Irish renew their rivalry against Southern Cal. Here's how to tune in, picks, a weather map and more.

Freeman, 39, began coaching Notre Dame in 2021, after previous linebacker coach or defensive coordinator jobs with Cincinnati, Purdue, Kent State, and Ohio State. He’s also an Ohio State alumni, having played for the school from 2004 to 2008.

Desmond Howard gets real with the Notre Dame football team about their CFP chances ahead of their matchup with the USC Trojans.

No. 15 Notre Dame and Jeremiyah Love ran wild against No. 21 Southern California to secure a big win for their College Football Playoff hopes.

There is no telling which players will choose that route, but if certain players do, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame program should have real interest. Here are some players that Fighting Irish fans should keep a close eye on if they do choose to enter. Those potential fits come at a couple of high positions of need.