Notre Dame gets good news on 2026 recruits Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley
Notre Dame’s football program has recently received promising news regarding three standout recruits from the 2026 class: cornerback Joey O’Brien, tight end Evan Jacobson, and wide receiver Kaydon Finley. Each of these athletes has shown significant interest in the Fighting Irish, and their potential commitment could bolster the team’s future prospects.
Joey O’Brien, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound cornerback from La Salle College High School in Glenside, Pennsylvania, has emerged as a top target for Notre Dame. After attending a spring practice in March 2024, O’Brien expressed his admiration for the team’s intensity and coaching staff. He was subsequently offered a scholarship during the Pot of Gold event in March 2025, solidifying the Irish’s position as a frontrunner in his recruitment. O’Brien’s performance on the 7-on-7 circuit, including being named the Rivals MVP at the OT7 event in Dallas, has further elevated his status, with Rivals ranking him as the No. 130 overall prospect in the 2026 class. His recruitment is now narrowing to three schools: Notre Dame, Penn State, and Clemson, with an official visit to Oregon scheduled.
Evan Jacobson, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound tight end from Waukee High School in Iowa, has also garnered attention from the Irish coaching staff. Ranked as the No. 14 tight end nationally and No. 250 overall by On3, Jacobson is known for his ability to high-point the ball and use his long frame to shield defenders. His basketball background contributes to his fluid movements and body control, making him a dangerous receiving threat. Notre Dame is building a strong tight end board in the 2026 recruiting class, and Jacobson’s blend of size and agility makes him a valuable prospect for the Irish.
Kaydon Finley, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound wide receiver from Aledo High School in Texas, has visited Notre Dame multiple times and continues to express strong interest in the program. The son of former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley, Kaydon has amassed impressive statistics, including over 1,000 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his sophomore season. He holds offers from numerous top programs, including Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma. During his visits, Finley has praised the coaching staff, particularly wide receivers coach Mike Brown and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, for their energy and the fast-paced style of play. His continued interest and multiple visits indicate a strong possibility of a future commitment to the Fighting Irish.
In summary, the interest and potential commitments of Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley underscore Notre Dame’s growing appeal to top-tier recruits. Their talents and enthusiasm for the program could significantly enhance the Fighting Irish’s roster in the coming years. As their recruitment processes unfold, Notre Dame fans will be keenly watching for updates on these promising prospects.
