Five-Star Safety Joey O’Brien Commits to Notre Dame, Joining Maryland Prep Cornerback Khary Adams in Elite Recruiting Class

In a huge win for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program, five-star safety Joey O’Brien has officially committed to join the Irish for the 2026 recruiting class. Alongside him, Maryland prep cornerback Khary Adams has also pledged his commitment, signaling a strengthening of Notre Dame’s defensive backfield and a continuation of the program’s rise as a national recruiting powerhouse.

This announcement marks a significant moment in the Fighting Irish’s recruitment strategy, as the program continues to land elite defensive talent and build a foundation that could propel them to national championship contention in the coming years.

Joey O’Brien: A Defensive Back with Star Potential

Joey O’Brien’s commitment to Notre Dame sends a powerful message about the program’s appeal and its ability to attract top-tier athletes. At 6-foot-4 and around 180 pounds, O’Brien possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him one of the most versatile and dynamic defensive backs in the 2026 recruiting class.

Hailing from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, O’Brien is a standout not only as a safety but also as a wide receiver, showcasing his elite ball skills and athletic ability on both sides of the ball. His junior year stats are nothing short of impressive: over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns on offense, alongside a defensive stat line that includes 36 tackles, multiple pass breakups, and interceptions.

This dual-threat capability highlights O’Brien’s football IQ and versatility, traits that make him a prized recruit for any college program. His ability to read offenses, cover ground quickly, and make impactful plays in the secondary is matched by his skill set as a playmaker on offense, giving Notre Dame a highly flexible athlete to develop.

The Recruitment Journey: Why Notre Dame?

Joey O’Brien’s recruitment was fiercely competitive. Elite programs like Alabama, Michigan, Clemson, Ohio State, and Penn State were in pursuit of the standout safety. Yet, what ultimately set Notre Dame apart was the holistic vision the Fighting Irish offered — both on and off the field.

O’Brien and his family cited the university’s academic prestige, strong football culture, and emphasis on personal development as major factors influencing his decision. Notre Dame’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in the classroom and the community resonated deeply.

Speaking about his commitment, O’Brien expressed enthusiasm about joining the program:

“Notre Dame is not just about football. It’s a place where I can grow as a person, as a student, and as a player. The culture here feels like family, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

This sentiment underscores the program’s ability to connect with recruits on a deeper level, highlighting the Irish’s emphasis on values and long-term success rather than just immediate athletic glory.

Khary Adams: Speed and Skill in the Secondary

Joining O’Brien in the Fighting Irish’s 2026 class is Maryland prep cornerback Khary Adams. Adams, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete from Loyola Blakefield High School, brings a unique blend of speed, agility, and physicality to the table.

Known for blazing speed with a recorded 10.74-second 100-meter dash and 21.50-second 200-meter dash, Adams’s athletic prowess translates seamlessly to the football field. His quick feet, fluid hips, and instinctive coverage ability make him a natural in man and zone schemes.

Adams’s recruitment was similarly competitive, with offers from Penn State, Michigan, Maryland, and Oregon among others. However, Notre Dame’s defensive backs coach Mike Mickens and assistant coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim made a lasting impression on Adams, creating a connection based on trust, mentorship, and clear coaching vision.

“Coach Mickens is one of the best teachers I’ve met,” Adams said. “He breaks down the game so clearly and pushes me to be better every day.”

Adams’s commitment adds much-needed depth and elite talent to Notre Dame’s secondary, setting up the Irish for strong defensive showings in the future.

Building a Defensive Backfield for the Future

The twin commitments of Joey O’Brien and Khary Adams represent a strategic emphasis by Notre Dame to build a dominant secondary. With the transfer portal and free agency shaking up college football rosters regularly, recruiting and developing elite defensive backs has become more critical than ever.

O’Brien’s size and versatility pair perfectly with Adams’s speed and coverage skills, giving Notre Dame flexibility to scheme creatively on defense. Whether it’s playing O’Brien deep safety and Adams on the outside, or using their talents in hybrid roles, the Fighting Irish will have the tools to disrupt opposing offenses for years to come.

This focus on defense aligns with head coach Marcus Freeman’s philosophy of building a team that excels in stopping opponents and creating turnovers—both vital components for championship runs.

Coaching and Culture: Why Notre Dame Matters

Notre Dame’s coaching staff has garnered praise for their ability to develop talent and foster a culture of accountability and brotherhood. The relationship between recruits and coaches like Mickens and Abdul-Rahim has been pivotal in securing commitments from players like O’Brien and Adams.

Moreover, the program’s academic reputation and emphasis on preparing student-athletes for life beyond football serve as important recruiting pillars. Families often cite Notre Dame’s supportive environment and the emphasis on holistic development as reasons for choosing the Irish.

This culture and coaching approach help explain why top recruits continue to choose Notre Dame despite offers from football powerhouses with larger facilities or flashier NIL opportunities.

What This Means for Notre Dame Football

The addition of Joey O’Brien and Khary Adams to the 2026 class boosts Notre Dame’s national standing and signals a commitment to excellence on the defensive side of the ball.

These commitments send a message to future recruits that Notre Dame is building a program where elite talent can thrive, develop, and prepare for the NFL while also receiving a world-class education.

For Fighting Irish fans, the future looks bright with young stars like O’Brien and Adams poised to make an immediate impact once they arrive on campus.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026 and Beyond

With these high-profile commitments in the books, Notre Dame will continue to pursue other key targets to round out their 2026 class. The program’s momentum in recruiting defensive backs could attract more elite prospects, helping to create sustained success.

Both O’Brien and Adams have their senior seasons ahead of them, offering a final chance to showcase their skills and refine their game before making the leap to college football.

Notre Dame’s staff will maintain close contact with these players, offering support and guidance to ensure they arrive ready to contribute from day one.

Joey O’Brien’s commitment to Notre Dame, alongside Khary Adams’s pledge, marks a defining moment for the Fighting Irish football program. These elite defensive backs bring size, speed, skill, and a winning mindset that perfectly aligns with Notre Dame’s goals on and off the field.

As the 2026 recruiting cycle continues, these two stand as key pillars for a defense that hopes to carry Notre Dame back to national prominence.

With strong coaching, supportive culture, and a commitment to excellence, Notre Dame’s future in the secondary looks brighter than ever.