Notre Dame Football: Adams & O’Brien Commit
- Notre Dame's 2026 recruiting class received a importent boost Friday with commitments from Khary Adams, a top-100 recruit and highly-regarded cornerback prospect, and Joey O'Brien, ranked as the...
- Adams, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defender from Baltimore and ESPN's No.8 cornerback for 2026, announced his decision on social media.
- He cited the defensive expertise of coach Marcus Freeman and defensive backs coach Mike Mickens as pivotal in his decision."They're amazing people, and they know their stuff on...
Notre Dame football strengthens its 2026 recruiting class! The Fighting irish secured commitments from top defensive backs Khary Adams and Joey O’Brien, bolstering thier roster with elite talent edging out multiple Power Five schools. adams, an ESPN top-100 recruit and highly-regarded cornerback, chose the Irish alongside Pennsylvania’s no. 3 recruit, O’Brien, who’s expected to play safety. This is a significant boost. The additions elevate Notre Dame’s already notable class, which includes players like Rodney Dunham and Thomas Davis Jr., with 14 players named in ESPN 300. Read all about these commitments and the overall status of the roster inside. News Directory 3 brings you the latest on Notre Dame recruiting.Discover what’s next in the Irish’s pursuit of top talent!
Notre Dame Lands Key Defensive Back Commitments
Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class received a importent boost Friday with commitments from Khary Adams, a top-100 recruit and highly-regarded cornerback prospect, and Joey O’Brien, ranked as the No. 4 athlete in his class. The Fighting Irish secured these key defensive back pledges, edging out strong pushes from Michigan, Oregon, and Penn State for Adams, and Oregon, Penn State and Clemson for O’Brien.
Adams, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defender from Baltimore and ESPN’s No.8 cornerback for 2026, announced his decision on social media. “Thank you to every coach who has coached me and prepared me for this moment,” Adams wrote. “GO IRISH.”
O’brien, pennsylvania’s No. 3 recruit, is expected to play safety for the Irish. He cited the defensive expertise of coach Marcus Freeman and defensive backs coach Mike Mickens as pivotal in his decision.”They’re amazing people, and they know their stuff on football,” O’Brien said. ”Those are coaches who will get you to the NFL. They run all the right stuff.”
The addition of Adams and O’Brien elevates Notre Dame’s recruiting class, which already includes defensive end Rodney Dunham and outside linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. With 14 ESPN 300 pledges,Notre Dame’s 2026 class is currently ranked among the nation’s best. The team is also hosting several top recruiting targets this weekend, including defensive end Elijah Golden.
Adams recorded 43 tackles and three interceptions during his junior season at Loyola Blakefield High School. O’Brien set school records for receiving yards and touchdowns at La Salle College high School, while also contributing 36 tackles on defense.
What’s next
Notre Dame looks to continue its recruiting momentum as they host several top prospects for visits, aiming to further solidify their standing in the 2026 recruiting class rankings and build a strong foundation for the future of the program.