Notre Dame Outpaces Michigan to Secure Elite 4-Star RB Javian Osborne from Texas

In a significant development in college football recruiting, four-star running back Javian Osborne from Forney, Texas, has committed to the University of Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish over the University of Michigan. This decision adds a dynamic talent to Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class, bolstering their offensive backfield with a player known for his explosive running style and versatility.

Recruitment Overview

Javian Osborne, standing at 5’9″ and weighing 195 pounds, has been a standout at Forney High School, showcasing impressive statistics and skills that have garnered attention from top college programs nationwide. As a junior, Osborne rushed for 1,085 yards and 21 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a workhorse in the backfield. His performance has placed him among the top running back prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.

Throughout his recruitment, Osborne had offers from several prestigious programs, including Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon. Initially, Michigan appeared to be the frontrunner in his recruitment, with reports indicating that the Wolverines had a slight edge over Texas . However, Notre Dame’s consistent engagement and the allure of its academic and athletic programs ultimately swayed Osborne’s decision.

Notre Dame’s Winning Pitch

Several factors contributed to Osborne’s commitment to Notre Dame. A pivotal moment in his recruitment was a visit to South Bend in March 2025, which left a lasting impression on him. Osborne expressed that the experience “blew him away,” solidifying the Fighting Irish as the lead contender in his recruitment . This visit allowed him to experience firsthand the culture and facilities at Notre Dame, which played a crucial role in his decision-making process.

Moreover, Osborne highlighted the value of a Notre Dame degree, emphasizing that it “holds a lot of weight” and that “it doesn’t get any better than Notre Dame.” This recognition of the institution’s academic prestige was a significant factor in his choice .

Player Profile

Osborne is known for his compact build and high-volume rushing ability. His one-cut running style, combined with solid acceleration and effective jump cuts, makes him a formidable presence in the backfield. While there are some concerns regarding his balance and limited experience as a pass-catcher, his overall skill set positions him as a strong multi-year contributor at the Power 4 level and potentially an NFL Draft candidate .

His playing style has drawn comparisons to former Michigan running back Blake Corum, particularly in terms of lateral quickness and the ability to evade tacklers. Osborne’s vision and low center of gravity enable him to navigate inside schemes effectively, while his agility allows him to bounce plays to the outside when necessary .

Impact on Notre Dame’s Recruiting Class

With Osborne’s commitment, Notre Dame now holds 14 pledges in its 2026 recruiting class, which is currently ranked as the No. 2 class nationally according to 247Sports. Osborne becomes the first running back in this class and the second-highest ranked verbal commitment, following five-star pass rusher Rodney Dunham .

His addition not only strengthens the Fighting Irish’s offensive backfield but also enhances their recruiting efforts in the state of Texas, a region that has produced numerous top-tier football prospects. Notre Dame’s ability to secure a commitment from a player of Osborne’s caliber underscores the program’s growing national appeal and recruiting prowess.

Looking Ahead

As Osborne prepares to join Notre Dame, expectations are high for his contributions to the team. His blend of speed, agility, and vision positions him to make an immediate impact in the Fighting Irish’s offense. Additionally, his commitment could serve as a catalyst for future recruiting successes in Texas and other talent-rich regions.

In conclusion, Javian Osborne’s decision to commit to Notre Dame over Michigan marks a significant moment in the 2026 recruiting cycle. It reflects the Fighting Irish’s continued success in attracting elite talent and their ability to compete at the highest levels both academically and athletically. As Osborne transitions to college football, all eyes will be on his development and the impact he will have on Notre Dame’s pursuit of national championships in the years to come.