Social media reacts to Javian Osborne committing to Notre Dame over Michigan

On May 3, 2025, four-star running back Javian Osborne made his commitment official: the standout recruit from Forney, Texas, would be taking his talents to Notre Dame, rejecting a strong push from the Michigan Wolverines in favor of the Fighting Irish. The 5’9″, 195-pound running back is ranked among the top players in the 2026 recruiting class and has been a target of multiple powerhouse programs. His commitment, though, became an immediate talking point on social media, igniting passionate reactions from fans, analysts, and even fellow recruits.

The move took social media by storm, generating a flurry of reactions from Notre Dame and Michigan fans, college football pundits, and fellow players who took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit to share their thoughts. The reactions varied, with some fans celebrating Osborne’s decision and others expressing frustration at the loss of such a highly coveted recruit.

This article dives into the social media response to Osborne’s commitment and what it means for both Notre Dame and Michigan as they continue to battle for dominance on the recruiting trail.

The Commitment Announcement

Javian Osborne’s decision to commit to Notre Dame came via a post on X, in which he wrote:

“Choose hard, live easy. I will give my all for Notre Dame today! 

The post was accompanied by a graphic of Osborne in a Notre Dame uniform, solidifying his choice. As expected, the announcement quickly gained traction, receiving retweets and comments from major recruiting analysts and Notre Dame football accounts, as well as several excited fans from the Fighting Irish faithful. Within minutes, Osborne’s commitment became a focal point on social media, with college football fans across the country weighing in.

Notre Dame Fans React: Elation and Optimism

For Notre Dame fans, the commitment of Osborne was an exciting development. Notre Dame’s football program has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with head coach Marcus Freeman leading the charge in recruiting. The addition of a player of Osborne’s caliber is seen as another sign of Freeman’s growing influence and success in bringing high-level talent to South Bend.

Many Notre Dame fans took to X and Instagram to express their excitement over the commitment:

• @NDFootballNation: “Big-time pickup for the Irish! Welcome aboard, Javian Osborne! Can’t wait to see you in action ”
• @GoIrish247: “Marcus Freeman continues to prove he can recruit with the best of them. Landing a 5-star RB from Texas? This is how you build a championship contender. #GoIrish”
• @FightingIrishFaithful: “We’re not just competing in the Big Ten anymore. We’re coming for national titles. #FreemanEra #ND2026”

Other fans highlighted the significance of Osborne choosing Notre Dame over Michigan, given the long-standing rivalry between the two programs. The recruiting win was seen as not just a victory on the field but as a statement that Notre Dame can recruit on a national level and pull top talent from regions traditionally dominated by other programs.

Michigan Fans React: Disappointment and Frustration

For Michigan fans, the news of Osborne’s commitment to Notre Dame was a bitter pill to swallow. Many had been optimistic about the Wolverines’ chances of landing the top-ranked running back, especially considering their strong recruitment efforts and successful track record with running backs in recent years. The Wolverines were seen as one of the front-runners for Osborne, but in the end, they fell short.

On X, the response from Michigan fans ranged from disappointment to outright frustration:

• @GoBlueNation: “Tough one to swallow. Michigan was in it from the start. Hopefully, we get back on track with the next one.”
• @MaizeAndBlue247: “Losing a top recruit like Osborne hurts. He would’ve been a perfect fit in our offense. On to the next one, I guess.”
• @Wolverine247: “I’m more frustrated that Notre Dame continues to win battles like this. This should’ve been our guy.”

Some fans were less understanding, venting their frustration with the coaching staff and the program’s inability to close on high-profile recruits:

• @MichiganFan23: “I’m sorry, but how do we keep losing out on top guys to Notre Dame? Something isn’t right here.”
• @UMRecruitingHQ: “Can’t blame Osborne. It’s a big decision for a kid. But Michigan needs to do better in the 2026 cycle.”

Michigan’s recruiting staff was scrutinized, with some fans questioning whether the Wolverines’ recent offensive inconsistencies or the pressure of competing with Notre Dame in a national landscape had affected their ability to secure commitments.

National Reaction: Industry Analysts Weigh In

As expected, analysts and national recruiting experts from across the college football world offered their takes on Osborne’s commitment. Tom Loy from 247Sports quickly tweeted:

“Notre Dame making moves in Texas! Huge win for Freeman and his staff. A running back of this caliber is a program-changer.”

Recruiting analyst Adam Gorney of Rivals added:

“Notre Dame beating out Michigan for a recruit like Osborne is not just a win for the Irish, it’s a sign that Freeman is building a program that can compete with the best on the recruiting trail.”

National analysts pointed out the significance of Notre Dame landing a highly ranked recruit from Texas, a state that has historically been dominated by SEC and Big 12 programs. Notre Dame’s ability to secure commitments from players in this region signals a growing national appeal, and Osborne’s decision is another step forward in Freeman’s vision to build a program capable of competing on the national stage.

Other College Football Fans Weigh In

As always, the college football community at large weighed in on the commitment. Fans from rival programs took to social media to either congratulate or criticize Osborne’s decision. Some fans from Ohio State, USC, and Alabama congratulated Notre Dame on the win, while others expressed surprise that Michigan had lost out on such a highly ranked recruit.

• @CFB_Analyst: “Notre Dame continues to build one of the best recruiting classes in 2026. Don’t sleep on Freeman.”
• @OSU_FanNation: “Huge pickup for ND. Looks like Freeman is finally getting it done on the recruiting trail.”
• @USC_4Life: “Notre Dame pulling talent from Texas? Big deal. Keep an eye on the Irish in 2026.”

The reaction from college football fans outside of Notre Dame and Michigan highlighted the broader impact of Osborne’s commitment — Notre Dame is becoming a serious player on the national recruiting scene, while Michigan’s inability to land Osborne raises questions about their current standing.

What Does This Mean for Notre Dame and Michigan?

The impact of Osborne’s commitment extends far beyond the immediate reactions of fans on social media. For Notre Dame, this commitment is a testament to the program’s growth under Marcus Freeman, who has been steadily improving Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts since taking over as head coach. The ability to recruit elite talent from Texas, especially in positions of need like running back, is a critical step forward for the program.

For Michigan, Osborne’s decision represents a missed opportunity to build on the momentum they’ve gained in recent years. While the Wolverines still boast a strong overall recruiting class, losing out on a top-tier player like Osborne puts a dent in their efforts to solidify their dominance in the Big Ten and compete on the national level.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Programs?

As the 2026 recruiting cycle continues, both Notre Dame and Michigan will be looking to fill key spots with high-caliber players. For Notre Dame, the focus will be on continuing to build on their momentum, especially as they look to further solidify their foothold in Texas and other fertile recruiting grounds. For Michigan, this loss to Notre Dame is a wake-up call, and they will likely double down on their efforts to secure other top recruits to ensure their place among the nation’s elite programs.

Javian Osborne’s decision to commit to Notre Dame over Michigan is more than just a recruiting win for the Irish — it’s a clear sign that under Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame is becoming a dominant force in the college football recruiting landscape. The social media reactions to this commitment have been intense, but they also reflect the growing expectations and excitement surrounding the program.

For Michigan, this loss is a disappointment, but it is also an opportunity to refocus and continue pursuing top-tier talent. Recruiting is a game of wins and losses, and while Osborne’s commitment stings for Michigan, it is far from the end of the road.

As college football fans continue to watch the 2026 class develop, Osborne’s commitment will likely be seen as one of the key moments that helped define the trajectory of these two powerhouse programs. The battle for recruits like him is far from over, but for now, Notre Dame is the victor.