Notre Dame freshman safety Joey O’Brien earns first-team reps in fall camp
The former five-star recruit is expected to be fit for the season opener against Wisconsin, with coaches viewing him as a strong candidate for a starting role.
Notre Dame freshman safety Joey O’Brien has begun practising with the first-team defence during fall camp, marking a significant step in his development. The former five-star recruit, who enrolled early as part of the 2026 recruiting class, was spotted getting a rep with the first-team defence during Thursday’s practice session.
O’Brien’s progress comes after he suffered an injury during the Blue and Gold game, which had slowed his development following a strong spring. Despite this setback, the player is expected to be ready for the season opener.
Defensive coordinator Andrew Ivins has drawn comparisons between O’Brien and Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time second-team All-Pro selection. This assessment highlights the high expectations surrounding the freshman’s potential impact on the team.
While O’Brien is unlikely to start the opening match against Wisconsin, coaches believe he could earn a starting position in the near future. The decision may hinge on various factors, including injuries to other players, ineffective play by current starters, or O’Brien’s own performance on the field.
The broader context of the 2026 recruiting class suggests a group that is generally showing readiness to play during fall camp. With the majority of the class having enrolled early, the programme is seeing early contributions from its newest additions.
The development of O’Brien’s role will be closely monitored as the season progresses, with the coaching staff assessing his fit within the defensive scheme.
