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Newsstand: Notre Dame commit named top performer at Rivals Five-Star

IMG_7504by: Jack Soble06/25/25jacksoble56
Joey O'Brien
Wyndmoor (Pa.) La Salle College 2026 safety Joey O'Brien began his Notre Dame official visit on Friday, June 13, 2025. (Kyle Kelly/Blue & Gold)

Notre Dame safety commit Joey O’Brien was named the third-best performer at Tuesday’s Rivals Five-Star in Indianapolis, On3 scouting director Charles Power and scouting/rankings assistant Cody Bellaire announced after the event ended.

Bellaire wrote that O’Brien, who committed to the Fighting Irish this past Friday, is one of the top ballhawks in the 2026 class.

“Entering the event, we wanted to see how he stacked up in man coverage while being asked to run with some of the top pass-catchers in the country,” Bellaire wrote. “The answer was an emphatic ‘yes.’ He showed the long speed to stay in-phase with every receiver he faced during 1-on-1s.”

O’Brien, the No. 40 player and No. 5 safety in the On3 Industry Ranking, intercepted multiple passes during one-on-ones, according to Bellaire.

“The impressive stature, coordination, and coverage instincts allowed him to attack the ball in the air,” Bellaire wrote. “O’Brien showed that he should be able to run and cover at the next level as long as he can maintain his explosiveness and top-end speed as he gains mass throughout his frame. He was the top defensive back in attendance at Rivals Five-Star.”

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Quote of the day

“His decision is not really solely based on the OV. It’s based more on the relationship he has with Notre Dame. He’s been building a relationship with Notre Dame for a long time. So, that plays a big factor because, to me, you can’t build a relationship off just one time seeing them.

“But don’t get me wrong, the OVs are good. They show you how much a person is a priority. I wouldn’t take away from an OV. I think the relationship Elijah has with [defensive line] coach [Al] Washington and the relationship he’s been building with our family — it’s been a long time. That definitely plays a factor.”

— Ketaa Golden, father of high-priority Notre Dame defensive line target Elijah Golden, on their official visit this past weekend

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