Joey O’Brien, a five-star defensive back in the 2026 class, stunned college football by rejecting a significant name, image, and likeness, NIL, offer to commit to Notre Dame.
Standing 6’4″ and weighing 180 pounds, the La Salle College HS (PA) standout chose to select gridiron glory over instant financial gain. His decision underscores a rare focus on the sport itself amid a rapidly expanding NIL market.
Joey O’Brien Prioritizes Football Development at Notre Dame Over Pricey NIL Deals
Notre Dame safety commit Joey O’Brien said his mindset came down to focusing on football, making his decision easier when teams started to express interest and make offers.
“Definitely, a couple of schools threw out some crazy offers,” O’Brien said. “But you don’t want to go to a school that doesn’t even offer you. But they just offer you a lot of money. I don’t feel like that’s a good look for the school, then. And then, it gets bigger than football from there. That’s why I’m just focused on the football part.”
O’Brien has vaulted to a five-star designation as the No. 30 prospect nationally and the No. 4 safety in the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports. He combines length and agility, posting a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at his La Salle College High School combine.
During his junior campaign, O’Brien also rushed for 339 yards on 24 carries with three touchdowns. On defense, he tallied 38 tackles, 18 pass breakups, three interceptions, and one sack, while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. At the OT7 finals, he demonstrated his playmaking instincts by snaring four interceptions across the week, reinforcing his status as a ballhawk.
Notre Dame S commit Joey O’Brien has been sticky in coveragehttps://t.co/h5GzcI1iSl pic.twitter.com/JS50K0o5WQ
— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) June 24, 2025
Last season, O’Brien hauled in 68 receptions for a school-record 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns on offense. He also added 36 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and one interception on defense, earning Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) Red Division MVP honors.
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Scouts laud his ability to cover ground, shade passing lanes, and deliver physical run support despite a slender frame. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports compared his field awareness to NFL safety Justin Simmons and projected him as a versatile coverage ace capable of creating turnovers and flipping field position with acrobatic interceptions.
By rejecting “crazy” NIL offers, O’Brien has set a tone for his Notre Dame tenure. In an era where top recruits command deals that can eclipse six figures, his choice to stay focused on football sends a clear message to prospects and underscores Notre Dame’s traditionalism amidst the modern NIL landscape.
