Notre Dame Bolsters 2026 Recruiting Class with Elite Committments
South Bend, IN – Notre Dame’s football program is making significant strides in its 2026 recruiting efforts, positioning itself as a contender for the top recruiting class in the nation under head coach Marcus Freeman. On Friday, the Fighting Irish received a major boost with two high-profile commitments from elite defensive backs.
Khary Adams, ranked as the No. 9 cornerback nationally and a top-100 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle, initiated the wave of excitement. Shortly after, Joey O’Brien, a highly sought-after safety from La Salle College in Glenside, Pennsylvania, announced his commitment during a live session on 247 Sports. O’Brien had previously considered offers from prestigious programs such as Clemson, Oregon, and Penn State.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, O’Brien boasts a 5-star rating from 247 Sports and is recognized as the No. 6 safety in the country by recruiting services. The composite ranking also places him among the top 65 players overall. Notably, O’Brien shone as both a wide receiver and a defensive back during the 2024 season, demonstrating versatility and exceptional talent on the field.
With this commitment, O’Brien becomes the 19th hard commit for Notre Dame in the current recruiting cycle, solidifying the program’s trajectory. He is now the second recruit of the day and ranks only behind edge prospect Rodney Durham in the composite ratings for the Irish.
As Notre Dame continues to build its roster, these commitments reflect a promising future for the Fighting Irish as they aim to reclaim their elite status in college football. Fans are eager to see how Freeman’s recruiting strategy unfolds in the months to come.
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