Joey O’Brien Commits to Notre Dame Football
Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class just got a major upgrade! Four-star safety joey O’Brien has committed to the Fighting Irish, choosing Notre Dame over powerhouses like Clemson, Penn State, and Oregon. This commitment instantly bolsters Notre Dame’s defensive prospects and solidifies their standing among the nation’s top recruiting programs. O’Brien, a top-150 national prospect, is known for his ball-hawking skills. He’ll join his high school teammate, adding even more talent to the already impressive roster. The team is currently ranked #2 nationally, so this commitment is an vital key player in the program’s continued success. Stay informed with the latest developments-News Directory 3 has your back. Discover what’s next as the Irish aim to further dominate the recruiting scene!
Four-Star Safety Joey O’Brien Commits to Notre Dame
Updated June 21, 2025
Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class received a meaningful boost Friday with the commitment of four-star safety Joey O’Brien. The Pennsylvania prospect chose the fighting Irish over Clemson,Penn State,and Oregon,solidifying Notre Dame’s position among the nation’s top recruiting programs.O’Brien, a standout defensive back, is considered a priority target for Notre Dame’s coaching staff.
O’Brien’s official visit to South Bend from June 13-15 sealed the deal. He will play for head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Chris Ash, along with other members of the Notre Dame staff. His skill set and athleticism are expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s defense.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound O’Brien impressed scouts at the OT7 7-on-7 event in Dallas, showcasing his ball-hawking abilities with five interceptions, four returned for touchdowns. His performance elevated his status as one of the top safeties in the 2026 class.
Ranked No. 136 overall in the Rivals250, O’Brien is also the No. 3 prospect in Pennsylvania and the No. 7 safety nationally. He will be joined at Notre Dame by his La Salle college High School teammate, four-star offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh, who committed earlier in the week. The addition of O’Brien follows the recent commitment of another Rivals250 defensive back, Khary Adams.
O’Brien’s impressive offer list included Alabama, Boston College, Duke, florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi, Missouri, ohio State, Stanford, Syracuse, UCLA, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia, among others.His decision to commit to notre Dame underscores the program’s growing appeal to top recruits.
During his junior year, O’brien recorded 36 tackles, 13 pass break-ups, and one interception, contributing to La Salle’s 10-1 record.He also excelled as a wide receiver, amassing 68 receptions for a school-record 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him PCL Red Division MVP, first-team All-State, and second-team All-American honors. O’Brien also participates in basketball at La Salle.
With O’Brien’s commitment, Notre Dame’s 2026 class now boasts 19 pledges. The Fighting Irish currently hold the No. 2 spot in the national recruiting team rankings, positioning them for continued success on the field.
What’s next
Notre Dame aims to continue building its 2026 recruiting class, focusing on securing commitments from other top prospects to maintain its high national ranking and strengthen its football program.