Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman appears to be effectively leveraging lessons learned from last year’s journey to the national championship game, evident from a recent surge in recruitment that has caught the attention of college football enthusiasts.
On Friday, Notre Dame secured commitments from two highly-rated prospects. First, the Irish added four-star cornerback Khary Adams from Towson, Maryland. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds, Adams is ranked as the No. 75 player in the 247Sports Composite for the Class of 2026. His decision to commit to Notre Dame comes after the Irish outmaneuvered top contenders like Penn State, Michigan, and Oregon, making him a significant potential asset for the program.
Later that evening, Notre Dame also welcomed four-star safety Joey O’Brien, who is ranked No. 65 in the 247Sports Composite, although he holds a five-star ranking in the service’s own evaluations. O’Brien, from the Philadelphia area, chose Notre Dame over well-regarded programs including Oregon and Clemson. Reflecting on his recruitment, he expressed heartfelt admiration for Coach Freeman, stating, “He’s the kind of guy I want to go to battle with.”
These commitments signify a positive trend as the Irish continue building their 2026 recruiting class, aiming to fortify both the defense and the overall talent pool. This isn’t the first time Freeman’s strategic choices in recruitment have shown promise; just last week, four-star offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh, who plays alongside O’Brien at LaSalle College High School, also committed to Notre Dame, over Texas and Penn State.
Freeman has highlighted the importance of continuous improvement, stating, “We’re always trying to find ways to get better… to get the best players in the country that fit this place.” This philosophy underpins the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of the team and bridge the gap with elite competitors like Ohio State.
With 19 commitments already secured, and plans for six more recruits on the horizon, including tight ends and wide receivers, Notre Dame is actively addressing key positions. The potential addition of high-caliber prospects could lead the Irish to their most highly-rated recruiting class since 2013.
As the recruiting window continues, Notre Dame’s strategy not only boosts their immediate prospects but also instills a sense of hope and excitement among fans, suggesting a promising future for the football program under Freeman’s leadership.