Notre Dame receives updates on 2026 recruits Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley, boosting their recruiting outlook

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football programs, and for Notre Dame, securing top talent for the future is essential to maintaining their status as a national powerhouse. As the Fighting Irish continue to build their 2026 recruiting class, recent updates on three key prospects — Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley — have provided a surge of optimism for the program’s outlook.

Each of these young athletes brings unique skills and potential to Notre Dame’s roster. Their continued interest in the Irish, along with encouraging progress on their development, signals a strong chance that they will be pivotal pieces in Notre Dame’s future. This article explores the backgrounds of these recruits, the latest updates on their recruitment, and what their commitments could mean for Notre Dame football.

Joey O’Brien: A Rising Star with Impressive Versatility

Joey O’Brien, a 2026 recruit from Pennsylvania, has emerged as one of the most talked-about prospects in the region. Known for his combination of size, speed, and football IQ, O’Brien plays multiple positions on the offensive line, making him a valuable asset for any program.

Background and Skill Set

O’Brien stands out for his versatility. While primarily an offensive tackle, he has also showcased the ability to play guard, giving coaches flexibility in deploying him where the team needs the most support. His balance of strength and agility enables him to handle powerful defensive linemen while also moving quickly to block in the run and pass game.

High school coaches and recruiters praise O’Brien’s work ethic and leadership qualities, noting that he is often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. These intangible qualities, combined with his physical attributes, make him an attractive target for Notre Dame.

Recent Updates

Notre Dame staff have reported positive feedback from O’Brien and his camp in recent weeks. Sources close to the recruiting process suggest that the Irish remain in strong contention, with O’Brien expressing enthusiasm about the academic environment and football culture at Notre Dame.

His official visits are expected to play a crucial role in the coming months, as the Irish look to deepen their relationship with the young lineman. Coaches have emphasized the importance of making O’Brien feel at home, recognizing his potential to be a foundational piece of their offensive line for years to come.

Evan Jacobson: A Defensive Talent with High Football IQ

On the defensive side of the ball, Evan Jacobson is turning heads as a 2026 linebacker recruit with tremendous instincts and tackling ability. Hailing from Ohio, Jacobson has been a standout on his high school defense, consistently making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Background and Style of Play

Jacobson is known for his speed and agility, which allow him to cover sideline to sideline effectively. His ability to read offensive formations and anticipate plays is a key reason for his high tackle numbers and impact on defense. Additionally, Jacobson excels in pass coverage, which is increasingly important in modern college defenses.

Coaches praise his leadership on and off the field. He serves as a vocal captain, motivating teammates and demonstrating maturity beyond his years. These traits have made him a favorite among recruiters looking for a player who can both perform and lead.

Recent Updates

Notre Dame’s coaching staff recently received promising news about Jacobson’s recruitment. His visit to campus went well, with many praising the facilities and the commitment of the coaching staff to player development. Jacobson’s camp has reportedly expressed appreciation for the holistic approach Notre Dame takes to both football and academics.

Recruiting insiders suggest that Jacobson views Notre Dame as a strong option, citing the program’s tradition of developing NFL-caliber linebackers as a key selling point. The Irish will be looking to solidify their pitch in the coming months, as competition from other Big Ten and ACC programs remains intense.

Kaydon Finley: A Quarterback Prospect with Big-Time Potential

One of the most exciting names in Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class is Kaydon Finley, a quarterback prospect from Texas with a strong arm and impressive athleticism. Finley’s ability to extend plays with his mobility and deliver accurate passes under pressure has drawn comparisons to several successful college QBs.

Background and Playing Style

Finley combines prototypical size for a quarterback with impressive field vision and decision-making skills. He is comfortable operating both inside and outside the pocket, showing poise even when plays break down. His accuracy on intermediate and deep throws has caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike.

Beyond his physical abilities, Finley is known for his leadership and competitiveness. He commands the huddle with confidence and maintains composure in high-pressure situations, traits essential for success at the collegiate level.

Recent Updates

Notre Dame’s coaching staff has been actively involved in Finley’s recruitment, with recent updates indicating a growing interest from the quarterback. Finley has attended several Notre Dame games and events, developing a connection with the program and its culture.

His camp has praised Notre Dame’s focus on academics and player development, as well as the opportunity to compete at the highest level while representing a storied program. While other schools remain in contention, Finley’s relationship with the Irish appears strong, positioning Notre Dame well to add him to their 2026 class.

What These Updates Mean for Notre Dame’s Recruiting Outlook

The positive news surrounding Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley has significantly boosted Notre Dame’s recruiting outlook for 2026. Each of these prospects fills important needs for the program, and their continued interest bodes well for the Irish’s ability to build a competitive team for the future.

Building Depth and Talent Across Positions

• Offensive Line: Joey O’Brien’s versatility and talent promise to strengthen Notre Dame’s offensive front, a critical area for both protecting the quarterback and establishing a dominant run game.
• Linebacker Corps: Evan Jacobson’s addition would bolster the Irish’s defensive unit, bringing speed, intelligence, and leadership to the linebacker group.
• Quarterback Position: Kaydon Finley’s potential as a dynamic quarterback could be transformative for Notre Dame’s offense, offering a dual-threat option capable of leading the team to success.

Enhancing Notre Dame’s National Profile

Recruiting top-tier talent like O’Brien, Jacobson, and Finley helps Notre Dame maintain its position as a nationally competitive program. Their continued pursuit of these players signals the program’s commitment to competing for championships and developing future NFL players.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Commitment

While the recent updates are encouraging, Notre Dame’s recruiting journey with these prospects is far from over. The next 12 to 18 months will be critical as the Irish seek to build deeper relationships, host official visits, and present compelling cases for why these recruits should choose Notre Dame.

• Campus Visits: Each recruit’s official and unofficial visits to Notre Dame will play a vital role in their decision-making process. Immersing them in the academic, athletic, and cultural environment is key.
• Coaching Relationships: The rapport between recruits and position coaches, as well as the head coach, will influence their comfort level and trust in the program.
• Competition: Other elite programs will continue to pursue these recruits aggressively, requiring Notre Dame to maintain a strong and consistent recruiting effort.

Notre Dame’s recent positive updates on 2026 recruits Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley have injected renewed optimism into the Irish’s recruiting outlook. Each player offers unique skills and leadership qualities that align with Notre Dame’s football philosophy and long-term goals.

As Notre Dame continues to nurture these relationships and build its future roster, the commitment of these promising young athletes could serve as cornerstones of the program’s success in the coming years. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hopeful that these recruits will choose the Irish and help bring Notre Dame back to the forefront of college football dominance.