Four-star quarterback Teddy Jarrard shut down his recruitment ahead of his junior season, selecting Notre Dame over top-tier programs like Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. The Irish staff’s unique pitch made a strong impression.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock compared Jarrard’s style of play to current Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, a comparison that struck a chord with the rising prospect. Jarrard held over 30 offers from powerhouse programs across the country but chose the Irish after a spring and summer filled with attention from blue-blood schools.
Riley Leonard Comparison Seals Teddy Jarrard’s Commitment to Notre Dame
Teddy Jarrard, a four-star quarterback and lifelong Georgia fan, ended his recruitment early after committing to Notre Dame. The connection he felt with the Irish coaching staff, especially quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli, was key.
Jarrard’s uncle, Corey Phillips, once played at Georgia, and the Bulldogs were one of several major programs in pursuit.
“As soon as they offered, they went to the top group because of how great I felt when I was up there,” Jarrard said. “And what Gino has done for me… they’ve only offered two quarterbacks in this class. That told me a lot. It meant they really saw something in me, and that made me feel wanted, like I mattered to their program.”
BREAKING: Elite 2027 QB Teddy Jarrard has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’3 200 QB from Kennesaw, GA chose the Fighting Irish over Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, & Penn State
He’s the No. 2 QB in the ‘27 Class (per Rivals) ☘️https://t.co/O5DHDzCV9b pic.twitter.com/D6EqEnMbe0
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 24, 2025
Jarrard and Guidugli developed a strong relationship centered around deep football discussions. The two connected on coverages, reads, and overall offensive concepts, not just surface-level conversations.
“Gino sees a lot of Riley Leonard in me,” Jarrard said. “I’ve talked with Riley some, and he’s been part of this too. The way the coaches broke everything down, the way we connected, it just clicked.”
Notre Dame arrived later in Jarrard’s recruiting process, but the 2024 national title run had already caught his attention. When the staff reached out in the spring, Jarrard was open.
“I want to go where I fit,” he said. “Somewhere I can be developed and grow. You can go to a school with the best coaches, but if it’s not the right culture, it won’t work. Notre Dame is where I think I can really grow and be developed.”
Jarrard is rated No. 171 overall and the No. 12 quarterback in the 2027 Rivals Industry Ranking, which averages evaluations from three major services. Rivals’ individual rankings place him higher at No. 52 overall and No. 2 among quarterbacks. He becomes Notre Dame’s third 2027 pledge, joining linebacker Ellis McGaskin and long snapper Sean Kraft.
After receiving his first offer from Bethune-Cookman in February 2024, his profile surged during April and May. Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi State, NC State, and Ohio State offered in the spring. Clemson, Florida State, Penn State, and Notre Dame followed in June.
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In the 2024 season, the 6-foot-3, 196-pound signal-caller completed 209 of 291 passes for 2,647 yards, 31 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 89 yards and one touchdown, finishing the year with 2,736 total yards.
