Notre Dame Fighting Irish signee Joey O’Brien rated as 5-star recruit by Rivals

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Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame signed one of the best recruiting classes in program history in 2026, ranking No. 2 nationally in the Rivals Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings.

Among the headliners is La Salle College (Pa.) safety Joey O’Brien, who has hovered around five-star status for much of the past six months. But as of Monday, he belongs to the elite club after being named as one of 32 five-stars by Rivals in the 2026 class.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder checks in as the No. 25 overall prospect and No. 1 safety nationally, bringing another dynamic playmaker to the Fighting Irish secondary.

“Notre Dame signee Joey O’Brien has been one of the most consistent prospects in the cycle,” Rivals National Scout Cody Bellaire writes. “He is one of the most productive two-way players over his high school career and one of the most dominant camp and 7-on-7 performers as well. O’Brien collected over 50 tackles and four interceptions as a safety and caught 86 passes for over 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns as a wide receiver during his senior season. His blend of size, fluidity, and length allows him to stay attached to receivers through their routes and then attack the football.

…He can cover any type of receiver with any skillset due to his rare blend of stature and mobility. Plus, he has the ability come downhill and be a factor as a box defender. O’Brien is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the country and will continue to improve his game as he fills out his frame at the next level and beyond.”

Official visit sealed the deal for O’Brien, Notre Dame

He is one of five signees to be named five-stars by Rivals this cycle, by far the highest number for the Irish in the modern recruiting era. O’Brien committed to Freeman and Co. all the way back in June after his official visit to South Bend a week prior. At the time, he held offers from Clemson, Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State and dozens of other programs.

“Just going on that official visit with the people there, the whole place, how they develop you and that degree you get there it holds so much wealth in that degree,” O’Brien told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong when he committed. “I feel like my older self (would be mad at me) if i didn’t take that chance to get into Notre Dame because not everyone can.

… I just love how hard they work. The brotherhood there, it’s a well-oiled machine. I’ve been to multiple practices. I’ve been to a game. They work really hard. They get after it and they show great culture there.”

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