Notre Dame appears to be Georgia's biggest threat for a 5-star EDGE target

The separation of church and state. Not exactly, but close enough... When it comes to the recruitment of five-star edge rusher DJ Jacobs, that might be what it comes down to in the end. According to the 247Sports Composite, Jacobs is the No. 1 player from Georgia, the No. 2 edge rusher in his class and the No. 10 overall recruit in the 2027 recruiting cycle. Jacobs stars for Blessed Trinity over in Roswell.

Although he hails from Metro Atlanta and is not that far from the University of Georgia, the catholic connection between Blessed Trinity and Notre Dame is a very real thing. This is where Atlanta Falcons linebacker JD Betrand went to school before committing to Notre Dame. There are other catholic schools all around Georgia, but you can get players out of BT. Could Notre Dame end up with Jacobs?

Josh Newberg of Rivals echoed Steve Wiltfong's sentiment of Notre Dame being "in it till the end."

At this stage of the game, Jacobs has 39 official offers. He is drawing the strongest interest from Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Oregon and Texas A&M, in addition to Notre Dame. It should be noted that on his recruiting interests page on 247Sports, Notre Dame is not described as "warm" for his commitment like the other five mentioned, but rather "cool". This may give Georgia a huge edge here.

Just because Notre Dame could be there in the end does not mean that the Irish honestly will be...

Georgia can still land DJ Jacobs, but it must hold off Notre Dame surge

The big key when it comes to landing a player of Jacobs' caliber is to be there in the end. Wiltfong did not mention Florida State in the same breath as Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami, Oregon and Texas A&M. While all six schools recruit nationally, Mike Norvell is sitting on easily the hottest seat of any of those head coaches. He may not be in Tallahassee by this time next year. So where should Jacobs end up?

Although he is being recruited by Miami Dolphins legend Jason Taylor to take his talents to South Beach, Miami only seems like it will emerge with Jacobs if the Hurricanes back up the Brinks truck. That is why Oregon and Texas A&M are listed. We know what those programs are about. Thus, it just goes to show why Georgia and Notre Dame may end up being the two teams of note to beat for him.

With Georgia, you have a short drive from Roswell to Athens, as well as a chance to compete for national titles annually. Kirby Smart is a great defensive mind and teach. As for Notre Dame, something higher than state ties may be calling. Notre Dame has one of the strongest traditions in college football. The added in cool factor of Marcus Freeman gives the Irish a puncher's chance here.

In the end, it will probably end up being either Georgia or Notre Dame who ends up landing Jacobs.