Top 2026 Safety Joey O’Brien Names Notre Dame in Final Four, Recruitment Heating Up
The battle for one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 class is officially underway. Joey O’Brien, a 4-star safety ranked No. 64 nationally and the No. 4 safety in the country per 247Sports, has just named Notre Dame as one of his final four schools, sending Fighting Irish fans into a buzz of anticipation.
At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, O’Brien possesses elite size, range, and instincts—making him a top priority for defensive coordinators across the nation. A native of Pennsylvania, he’s also considered the No. 1 overall player in the state, adding even more weight to the regional recruiting battle between Notre Dame and Penn State, both of whom are seen as the frontrunners according to expert predictions on 247Sports.
The rest of O’Brien’s top four hasn’t been revealed in full detail yet, but insiders suggest that powerhouse programs from the SEC and Big Ten may be lurking as dark horses in the race.
O’Brien’s decision will carry major implications. For Notre Dame, landing him would continue a strong recruiting trend under Marcus Freeman, who has emphasized building a dominant secondary. For Penn State, it would be a statement win on home turf—and a chance to further solidify their reputation as “Linebacker U” turning into “DB U.”
With his senior season approaching and official visits on the horizon, the spotlight is only growing brighter on Joey O’Brien’s next move.
One thing’s clear: wherever he commits, he’ll instantly elevate that program’s secondary. Stay tuned—this recruitment is just getting started.
