One of the really fun things about Notre Dame football’s recruiting rampage of the last month and change has been that not only is Marcus Freeman hauling in a ton of talented kids, but they are kids that really, genuinely want to be a part of one of the most storied programs in college football history.
The newest Blue and Gold commit certainly fits that bill. Javian Osborne picked the Fighting Irish over bitter rival Michigan, among others. That alone should get fans fired up. But what he said after he pulled the trigger should have had the school’s loyal following ecstatic.
Javian Osborne says Notre Dame’s offensive line tradition sealed the deal
Plenty of people have been asking the latest Notre Dame football commit what made him pick Freeman’s squad over such a powerful group of schools. He’s talked about the ability to be all set up for a career after his playing days. He’s talked about wanting to get a National Championship. And he’s talked about how fun it’s going to be to carry the ball for a program that knows offensive success starts up front:
Meet Notre Dame’s future RB1 🍀 pic.twitter.com/8g33zWtamm
— Rivals (@Rivals) May 4, 2025
“What running back wouldn’t want to be part of a program that breeds offensive linemen?”
That quote from Osborne should get Notre Dame fans fired up for a couple of reasons. Not the least of which is that the young, budding superstar has been paying attention. Whether looking at offensive lineman Joe Alt getting drafted early in the 2024 draft or the current group being so deep that it’s not scared of losing several of last year’s starters to the transfer portal, the Irish are strong up front.
Osborne has also clearly been paying attention to a rushing attack that is among the best in the country. A rushing attack that was seventh in the country last year with 3,215 yards. A rushing attack that was third in the country with 45 touchdowns.
And a rushing attack tied for sixth in the country in 5.7 yards per carry.
Certainly, the talent of guys like Jeremiyah Love, Riley Leonard, and Jadarian Price played a big part in those numbers. But they don’t have that kind of success if a talented group isn’t clearing the road for them.
Javian Osborne wants to see that up close and personal and both he and the Notre Dame football team will benefit.