Notre Dame just inked its 2026 recruiting class before Championship Weekend, and with 27 new players coming in, Notre Dame's future is looking brighter than ever. Head coach Marcus Freeman did not have a single recruit de-commit or flip from his class, which meant no drama during the Early Signing Period.
This is a really exciting recruiting class filled with some top-tier talent. One of Notre Dame's signees just became a state champion, and he certainly produced in the game. Five-star safety/wide receiver Joey O'Brien helped lead La Salle College High School to a win in the 6A State Championship game, and his performance certainly was the most impressive.
During the game, defensively, O'Brien had three interceptions, one of which he ran back for a 95-yard touchdown. Offensively, he secured 10 catches for 99 yards and threw a touchdown pass to help seal the 34-20 win over Central Catholic. This was La Salle's first championship win since 2009.
Five-star Notre Dame signee Joey O'Brien put together a special performance in the 6A state championship game.
— Zack Poff (@Zack_Poff_MP) December 10, 2025
10 catches for 99 yards ✅
TD pass ✅
3 INT's (1 pick-six) ✅
It was La Salle's first state title since 2009 as they beat Central Catholic 34-20 in the PIAA Class 6… pic.twitter.com/xxOHvXPSgM
Joey O'Brien has a chance to become an immediate starter at Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman really hit the jackpot, securing Joey O'Brien to wear an Irish uniform next season. The young five-star recruit has shown he can easily play on both sides of the ball and is a flat-out athlete on the field. The Irish will most likely use O'Brien on the defensive side of the ball, as the Irish will need some help after this season.
The five-star safety is ranked as the No. 31 player in the Class of 2026, the No. 2 safety in the class, and the No. 1 player in the state of Pennsylvania, according to 247Sports.
O'Brien has shown that he has the talent to be a contributing member for the Irish right away, especially if he joins the Irish early in the spring. Chris Ash's defense could lose some key members to the NFL this spring, especially if cornerback Leonard Moore decides to take his talents to the next level.
Right now, Moore is expected to stick around South Bend for another season, so Moore and O'Brien could become a great tandem in the secondary, making Notre Dame's defense elite.