Given his recent first-team defensive reps, how soon do you think 5-star safety Joey O'Brien will become a regular starter for the Notre Dame defense?
Will 5-Star Safety Joey O'Brien Quickly Claim a Starting Role for Notre Dame?
The Notre Dame 2026 recruiting class is already making waves, particularly with several players enrolling early to prepare for intense competition. A standout in this group is former 247Sports composite 5-star safety Joey O'Brien. While O'Brien showed impressive talent during the spring, a recent injury sustained during the Blue and Gold game has raised questions about his immediate availability for the start of the season. However, recent practice footage suggests a positive trajectory, as O'Brien has been observed participating in reps with the first-team defense alongside players like cornerback DJ McKinney. Analysts, including Andrew Ivins, have even drawn comparisons between O'Brien and Pro Bowler Justin Simmons of the Denver Broncos, highlighting his massive potential. While he may not be the immediate starter for the upcoming season opener against Wisconsin, his talent and recent practice performance suggest he could be a pivotal part of the Irish defense very soon. Whether due to depth chart shifts, injury recovery, or sheer dominance, the 5-star freshman appears poised to make a significant impact on the Notre Dame secondary in the near future.
Options
- He will start in the season opener against Wisconsin
- He will earn a starting spot mid-season
- He will be a key rotation player but not a starter this year
- He needs more time to fully recover from his recent injury