Five-star safety Joey O’Brien has officially committed to Notre Dame, delivering a major recruiting win for the Fighting Irish and adding even more strength to their already promising secondary haul.
Joey O’Brien’s commitment to Notre Dame sent a wave of excitement through South Bend and across the national recruiting landscape. The five-star safety from the class of 2025 had long been one of the most coveted defensive backs in the country, and after months of speculation and pursuit from top-tier programs across the country, he chose to take his talents to Notre Dame. His decision represents more than just another recruiting victory for Marcus Freeman and his staff—it signals that the Fighting Irish continue to rise as a national powerhouse in attracting elite defensive talent. Even more, O’Brien’s commitment comes just after the program secured Maryland cornerback Khary Adams, another promising piece in the 2025 recruiting puzzle. Together, these two defensive backs are forming the kind of secondary foundation that could define Notre Dame’s future defensive identity.
O’Brien, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing close to 195 pounds, brings a rare combination of speed, instincts, and physicality to the back end of the defense. Widely considered one of the most complete safeties in the 2025 cycle, his ability to cover wide receivers in man coverage, roam sideline to sideline, and step up in run support makes him a do-it-all type of defender. He isn’t just rated highly by recruiting services for his measurable traits—his film showcases a player who understands spacing, reads quarterback eyes well, and anticipates routes with a level of maturity well beyond his years. That blend of intelligence and aggression on the field has drawn comparisons to former Notre Dame standouts and even current NFL players.
The decision to choose Notre Dame wasn’t made lightly. O’Brien had suitors from the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12, with powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC all making strong pushes to land him. But ultimately, Notre Dame offered something that resonated more deeply with O’Brien and his family. The combination of academics, culture, and an ascending football program led by a defensive-minded head coach like Freeman proved to be the difference-maker. O’Brien made several visits to South Bend over the past year, and each time he left campus, the Irish staff strengthened their position. In the end, it was the feeling of being at home, both in the locker room and in the classroom, that sealed the deal.
His announcement came with the kind of fanfare typically reserved for elite recruits. Social media erupted with support from current Notre Dame players, coaches, and fans who have followed his recruitment for months. The staff’s excitement was clear, and the message coming out of South Bend was that O’Brien isn’t just another recruit—he’s a potential game-changer. And when combined with the recent commitment of Khary Adams, a lengthy and athletic cornerback from the East Coast, Notre Dame’s secondary of the future is beginning to take shape in a very promising way.
Adams, while not as highly rated as O’Brien, has quickly become a favorite among Notre Dame’s defensive staff. His film shows a gritty, disciplined player with excellent footwork and the ability to mirror receivers throughout the route tree. He brings a physical edge to his game that complements O’Brien’s versatility. The idea of pairing Adams’ coverage skills with O’Brien’s range and instincts is already generating excitement among Irish fans, who can envision these two anchoring the secondary for years to come.
The timing of the commitments is also significant. With O’Brien and Adams both pledging to Notre Dame early in the cycle, the Irish coaching staff can now turn their attention to building around this foundation. Other top defensive recruits have taken notice, and the presence of a player like O’Brien—who has the kind of charisma and leadership qualities that attract others—could lead to a domino effect. Recruiters know that elite players often like to play alongside other elite players, and O’Brien’s presence in the class will undoubtedly make Notre Dame even more attractive to high-level defenders across the board.
Moreover, the commitment further validates the recruiting approach that Marcus Freeman and his staff have implemented since he took over the program. Freeman has emphasized relationship-building, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the kind of player that fits both the culture and the scheme. It’s not just about collecting stars or winning headlines—it’s about constructing a team identity. O’Brien fits that mold perfectly. He’s not only an elite athlete, but also a student of the game, and someone who understands the value of the academic and spiritual environment that Notre Dame offers.
In conversations with media following his commitment, O’Brien noted that he felt a connection with the coaching staff that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere. Safeties coach Chris O’Leary played a pivotal role in his recruitment, establishing trust and demonstrating a clear plan for O’Brien’s development. The ability to step into a scheme that prioritizes safety play and gives players freedom to make reads and impact the game in multiple ways was another deciding factor. O’Brien made it clear that he wasn’t just looking to play—he was looking to be developed, challenged, and prepared for the next level. And Notre Dame checked all those boxes.
This commitment also underscores Notre Dame’s continued growth on the national recruiting scene. For years, the Irish battled the perception that they couldn’t consistently land top-tier talent. That narrative has changed under Freeman. In back-to-back classes, Notre Dame has secured commitments from multiple five-star players, gone head-to-head with SEC juggernauts, and emerged victorious. The Irish aren’t just in the conversation—they’re winning battles. And they’re doing it with a clear vision and a sustainable model that combines elite academics, a historic brand, and modern football innovation.
From a strategic standpoint, landing a player like O’Brien gives Notre Dame flexibility in how they approach defensive game-planning. His presence allows the coaching staff to disguise coverages, move him around the formation, and create confusion for opposing quarterbacks. He can play deep, come into the box, line up over the slot, or blitz off the edge. That versatility opens the door for more aggressive play-calling and enables Notre Dame to adapt to the increasingly fast and complex offenses they’ll face, especially with more Big Ten opponents on the schedule in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Adams adds length and fluidity to the cornerback group. He’s the type of defender who can press at the line, run stride-for-stride with vertical threats, and compete at the catch point. Together, O’Brien and Adams bring a complementary skill set that could allow Notre Dame to play more man coverage, freeing up linebackers and defensive linemen to be more aggressive up front. For defensive coordinator Al Golden and his staff, having this level of talent on the back end creates more opportunities to take calculated risks and create game-changing plays.
The broader impact of these commitments also stretches into the locker room. Notre Dame’s players are well aware of who’s joining the program, and high-profile additions like O’Brien raise the internal bar. Competition increases. Standards are elevated. And when recruits see other elite athletes choosing Notre Dame, it fosters belief in the trajectory of the program. O’Brien isn’t just bringing his talent—he’s bringing energy, leadership, and expectations. He’s the type of recruit who can serve as a cornerstone for a class, and a tone-setter for the locker room.
For Notre Dame fans, the buzz surrounding the 2025 recruiting class continues to build. With each new commitment, especially from players with O’Brien’s pedigree, belief in Marcus Freeman’s vision grows stronger. While it’s always wise to temper expectations when it comes to projecting how 17-year-old athletes will perform at the college level, there’s little doubt that O’Brien arrives with all the tools to make an early and lasting impact.
As the Irish prepare for another highly anticipated season, the future of the program looks brighter than ever. With leaders like O’Brien and Adams already on board, and with more potential stars likely to follow, Notre Dame is assembling a defensive unit that could rival any in the nation in the years ahead. The Irish are no longer playing catch-up on the recruiting trail—they’re leading the charge. And with Joey O’Brien’s commitment in the books, the message is clear: Notre Dame football is building something special, and the foundation starts in the secondary.
