Four-star DB Joey O’Brien discusses highlights of Notre Dame visit, plans to return?

One of Notre Dame’s most coveted prospects in the 2026 class made his way to campus July 25 for the Irish staff’s “Grill and Chill” recruiting event. Glenside (Pa.) La Salle College’s Joey O’Brien, the nation’s No. 105 overall recruit and No. 11 safety according to the On3 Industry Ranking, made his return trip to South Bend and had high remarks about it during a phone interview with Blue & Gold.

“It was very fun; I enjoyed it a lot,” O’Brien said. “I’m excited to get back there now. One of the highlights was team building with some of the recruits. Even though I’m not committed there, they still treated me like I was. They treated me like I was a part of their family.”

O’Brien’s first trip to campus occurred back in March, the same month he earned his offer from the Irish. At that point, he held offers from Duke and Toledo. And now he has scholarships from Penn State, Michigan, Florida State, Michigan State, UCLA and many others.

The four-star recruit already has plans for South Bend trip No. 3 and potentially No. 4.

“I’m going back for the Miami (Ohio) game, and I might be going for the Florida State game,” he noted.

When it comes to the actual activities for the Irish’s Grill and Chill, look no further than the actual name of the event.

“Probably the grilling competition,” O’Brien said when asked about his favorite part of the visit. “You had cook two steaks, two pieces of chicken, potatoes asparagus and give it to Coach [Marcus] Freeman and three other people who were judging it. That was my favorite part. You had to make sure it was good! We got second place.”

There was some informational parts about Notre Dame during the visit event, but it was mainly about relationship building, and O’Brien enjoyed his chats with the Irish coaching staff.

“They were all really cool,” he said. “I spent the most time with Coach [Mike] Mickens, Coach [Al] Golden and Carter [Auman].

“Things are really good [with Coach Mickens]. We text a lot, and we talk on the phone a lot. He’s been to my school as well. I think our relationship is pretty good.”

O’Brien enjoyed his one-on-one time with Freeman.

“He talked to me about how it was a great time having me and my family there, and he wants me to come back for a game,” he said. “He wants me to be a part of that team.”

Notre Dame looks to be a contender for the long haul in O’Brien’s recruitment, and last week’s visit only helped the Irish’s early positioning for him.

“I’m definitely interested and they’re definitely one of my favorites,” he said. “I like that school a lot.”

O’Brien is listed by On3 as a safety, but the Irish are recruiting the 6-4, 180-pounder as a cornerback. He could get some looks by colleges at receiver for the next level as well if he performs at a high level this fall.

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