Safety Joey O’Brien (Philadelphia, PA) has Committed to Notre Dame over Oregon, Penn State & Clemson
Elite 5-Star Safety Joey O’Brien Commits to Notre Dame Over Oregon, Penn State, and Clemson
Notre Dame landed a massive addition to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of 5-star safety Joey O’Brien out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the country, O’Brien chose the Fighting Irish over a loaded list of finalists that included Oregon, Penn State, and Clemson.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, O’Brien has earned a reputation as a game-changer on the back end of the defense. He’s ranked among the top 10 players nationally in the 2026 class and is considered the No. 1 safety by multiple recruiting services. His combination of athleticism, physicality, and elite instincts makes him one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the nation.
Notre Dame’s pursuit of O’Brien has been persistent and strategic. Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens played a pivotal role in O’Brien’s recruitment, building a strong relationship with the standout safety and his family. Head coach Marcus Freeman, a defensive-minded leader himself, made O’Brien a priority from the beginning, pitching a vision of development, early playing time, and academic excellence.
“Notre Dame just felt like home,” O’Brien said in his commitment announcement. “It’s a place where I can grow not only as a football player but as a man. Coach Freeman’s energy is real, and I believe in the vision he has for this program.”
O’Brien’s commitment is a massive win for the Irish as they continue to build a defense capable of contending at the highest level. His addition strengthens an already promising 2026 class that now includes multiple Rivals250 defenders.
On the field, O’Brien is known for his range in coverage, ability to read quarterbacks, and aggressive tackling in the open field. He brings the kind of versatility Notre Dame needs in the modern era of spread offenses. Whether playing deep or sliding down into the box, he’s the type of player who can impact the game on every snap.
With O’Brien now locked in, Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class climbs even higher in the national rankings—and sends a clear message: the Irish are once again becoming a powerhouse destination for elite defensive talent.
