The air around South Bend is thick with anticipation, and it’s not just the usual pre-season football buzz. For Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the summer of 2025 has delivered a resounding message to the college football world: Notre Dame is back in the elite recruiting conversation, and they’re here to stay. The recent commitments of four-star safety Joey O’Brien and four-star cornerback Khary Adams, both high-impact talents, represent more than just individual pledges; they are a golden stamp of approval for the direction of the program and a clear indication that Notre Dame is winning on the biggest recruiting stages once more.
These two commitments, announced within hours of each other on Friday, June 20, 2025, during a critical official visit window, sent a seismic ripple through the recruiting landscape. They propelled Notre Dame’s 2026 class to the very top echelon of national rankings, now firmly entrenched as a top-two class in the country, according to various recruiting services. This surge isn’t just about accumulating stars; it’s about securing key foundational pieces for a defense that Marcus Freeman, a former defensive coordinator himself, is meticulously crafting.
Joey O’Brien, hailing from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, is a truly prized acquisition. Ranked as a top-100 overall player and a top-10 safety nationally (e.g., No. 30 overall and No. 4 safety by 247Sports, No. 40 overall and No. 5 safety by On3 Industry Ranking), O’Brien brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and instincts to the safety position. At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, his length allows him to cover vast areas of the field and become a major disruptor in the passing game. His ball-hawking prowess was famously highlighted at the OT7 7-on-7 event in Dallas, where he reportedly racked up five interceptions, returning four for touchdowns in a single day. This kind of playmaking ability is precisely what top-tier defenses crave.
Beyond his coverage skills, O’Brien is also a physical presence in run support, willing to come downhill and make tackles. This versatility ensures he can be a true three-down safety, capable of impacting all facets of the game. What makes O’Brien even more intriguing is his two-way talent; he’s also a record-setting wide receiver for his high school, showcasing exceptional coordination and body control. This multi-sport background aligns perfectly with Marcus Freeman’s stated philosophy of recruiting versatile athletes.
Just hours before O’Brien’s announcement, Notre Dame secured the commitment of Khary Adams, a four-star cornerback from Loyola Blakefield High School in Towson, Maryland. Adams is another elite defensive back, ranked as a top-100 overall player and a top-10 cornerback nationally (e.g., No. 67 overall and No. 8 cornerback by On3 Industry Ranking).
Adams, listed at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, possesses ideal length and athleticism for the cornerback position in today’s game. His junior season in 2024 saw him register 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, four interceptions, and 12 pass break-ups – statistics that scream playmaker. He also contributed significantly on offense with 31 receptions for 703 yards and eight touchdowns. His ability to excel in both man-to-man and zone concepts, coupled with impressive ball skills, makes him a formidable cover corner. The fact that Notre Dame beat out programs like Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon for his services speaks volumes about the strength of their recruiting pitch.
These commitments are more than just additions to a roster; they are a direct reflection of Marcus Freeman’s evolving recruiting philosophy and the tangible momentum he has generated in South Bend:
- Trust and Relationships: Both O’Brien and Adams spoke extensively about the strong relationships they developed with the Notre Dame coaching staff, particularly Head Coach Marcus Freeman and Defensive Backs Coach Mike Mickens. O’Brien’s father emphasized the trust they placed in Freeman, citing his son’s sentiment: “I trust Coach Marcus Freeman with my life really. Like he’s the type of dude that I want to go to battle for.” This level of personal connection is a hallmark of Freeman’s approach, focusing on genuine bonds rather than just flashy pitches.
- The “Notre Dame Difference”: In an era where NIL and transfer portal discussions often dominate, Notre Dame continues to leverage its unique selling points: elite academics, a powerful alumni network, and a distinct culture. Recruits like O’Brien and Adams are clearly buying into the idea that Notre Dame offers more than just football – it offers a pathway to lifelong success and a deeply meaningful collegiate experience.
- Defensive Back Development: Coach Mike Mickens has consistently proven his ability to develop defensive backs, sending players to the NFL and refining their skills. The commitments of O’Brien and Adams, along with four-star safety Ayden Pouncey and four-star cornerback Chaston Smith, underscore Mickens’s reputation as a premier defensive backs coach. Recruits see a clear path to both on-field success and professional development under his guidance.
- Strategic Official Visits: Both O’Brien and Adams made their commitments shortly after their official visits to Notre Dame (June 13-15). O’Brien even strategically canceled a visit to Tennessee to prioritize his Notre Dame trip. This highlights the effectiveness of Notre Dame’s official visit program, which is meticulously designed to showcase the full breadth of the university and football program, leaving a lasting impression that often seals the deal.
- Building a Foundation: With O’Brien and Adams leading the charge, Notre Dame is building a defensive backfield for the future that is characterized by size, athleticism, and versatility. This group, combined with other high-impact defensive commits like five-star defensive end Rodney Dunham and four-star defensive tackle Tiki Hola, forms a formidable defensive core for the 2026 class and beyond.
- Momentum is Real: The sheer volume and quality of commitments for the 2026 class in recent weeks, particularly in June 2025, are undeniable. This momentum is critical in recruiting, as it creates a positive feedback loop, making the program even more attractive to undecided prospects. The Irish are clearly on a roll, benefiting from strong on-field performance, stable coaching, and a compelling vision for the future.
The additions of Joey O’Brien and Khary Adams are the crown jewels of a 2026 Notre Dame class that is quickly becoming one of the nation’s best. With 19 total commitments and a robust blue-chip ratio (a high percentage of four and five-star prospects), the class is stacked with talent across all positions. The commitment of O’Brien’s high school teammate, four-star offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh, further illustrates Notre Dame’s ability to pull talent from top high school programs and build strong recruiting pipelines.
The 2026 class is shaping up to be Marcus Freeman’s strongest recruiting haul since taking over as head coach. This success is not accidental; it’s the result of a deliberate, sustained effort to build genuine relationships, emphasize holistic development, and showcase the unique value proposition of a Notre Dame education and football experience.
As O’Brien and Adams emerge as the newest high-impact talents committing to the Fighting Irish, Notre Dame has indeed won gold once more on the recruiting trail. These commitments symbolize a program that is reasserting its dominance, attracting the nation’s best and brightest, and laying the groundwork for a future filled with championship aspirations. The echoes of “Go Irish!” are now accompanied by the unmistakable sound of elite talent choosing South Bend.
