FUTURE IRISH TAKING SHAPE: Key 2026 Recruiting Updates on Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley Inject Fresh Momentum into Notre Dame’s Recruiting Outlook

The recruiting landscape in college football is a fluid and ever-evolving terrain, where fortunes shift with every campus visit, social media post, and coaching decision. For a program like Notre Dame, which prides itself on tradition, excellence, and a rigorous balance of academics and athletics, staying ahead of the curve is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. The Fighting Irish are constantly working to shape their future by identifying, evaluating, and courting the nation’s top talent. In recent developments, Notre Dame has received pivotal updates on three of its most promising 2026 recruits: Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley. Each of these prospects represents a different position group and skill set, yet all three bring a similar level of excitement and upside to the table. These updates have helped inject fresh momentum into Notre Dame’s recruiting outlook, providing a clearer picture of what the future could look like in South Bend.

Joey O’Brien, a highly sought-after quarterback from the East Coast, has continued to rise up recruiting boards due to his exceptional blend of arm talent, leadership, and poise in the pocket. With comparisons already being drawn to some of the top signal-callers in recent Notre Dame history, O’Brien has shown a maturity beyond his years, both on and off the field. Recent reports indicate that he remains in close contact with the Notre Dame coaching staff, and his interest in the program is genuine and growing. He recently made another unofficial visit to South Bend, where he toured the campus, sat in on meetings with the offensive staff, and observed practice sessions. Insiders say the visit went exceptionally well, with O’Brien’s family also gaining a deeper appreciation for the program’s culture and direction. The coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, has prioritized O’Brien in their 2026 quarterback board, and the feeling appears to be mutual. While several other national programs are in pursuit, Notre Dame has positioned itself as a frontrunner for his commitment.

Meanwhile, Evan Jacobson, a dominant offensive lineman out of the Midwest, is another key name that has emerged as a foundational piece of the 2026 class. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing over 300 pounds, Jacobson is the kind of prospect that Notre Dame has historically built its offensive lines around. Known for his punishing run blocking and quick feet in pass protection, Jacobson recently received a visit from Notre Dame’s offensive line coach, who made the trip to show how serious the Irish are about bringing him aboard. In response, Jacobson included Notre Dame in his latest top five schools and has scheduled an official visit later this summer. Sources close to the recruitment say Jacobson has always admired the legacy of offensive linemen at Notre Dame and sees the opportunity to carry that torch as a compelling reason to choose the Irish. His recruitment will likely go into the fall, but the trajectory is pointing favorably for Notre Dame, especially if his official visit confirms what he’s already come to appreciate about the school.

The third name that has captured attention is Kaydon Finley, a versatile and explosive wide receiver from Texas who has already begun making waves with his speed, route running, and ability to make contested catches. Finley has been described as a game-changer, someone who can take the top off a defense but also work the intermediate routes with precision. Notre Dame has long sought to increase its speed and playmaking ability on the perimeter, and Finley fits that mold perfectly. His recruitment had been somewhat under the radar, but after a strong showing at a recent elite camp—and a surge of interest from Power Five programs—Notre Dame moved swiftly to reestablish their presence. Finley responded positively, scheduling an unofficial visit and publicly expressing his excitement about the potential fit in South Bend. He’s developed a strong relationship with wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey, who has made Finley a clear priority. The momentum in this recruitment seems to be building quickly, and Notre Dame is now viewed as a legitimate contender to land one of Texas’s most electrifying athletes.

Individually, each of these recruits represents a major victory should Notre Dame successfully land them. But collectively, they paint an even more promising picture of how the 2026 class could help shape the next era of Irish football. Joey O’Brien could be the cerebral, strong-armed quarterback to lead a high-powered attack. Evan Jacobson could be the linchpin of an offensive line built to dominate in the trenches. And Kaydon Finley could be the dynamic weapon needed to stretch defenses and create explosive plays. These types of players are not just talented—they’re foundational. They represent the kind of high-ceiling prospects who can anchor a class and attract other elite talent.

What makes this trio’s recruitment particularly encouraging for Notre Dame is the timing. With the 2025 cycle winding down and the coaching staff pivoting more focus toward the underclassmen, laying the groundwork early in the 2026 class becomes critically important. Strong early relationships and consistent engagement are often what separate top-tier programs from the rest when signing day arrives. Notre Dame appears to have learned from recent cycles and is making a concerted effort to not only evaluate talent early but to cultivate trust, build relationships, and sell a vision that resonates with both players and their families.

In today’s college football environment, recruiting has become more competitive than ever. With the proliferation of NIL opportunities, the transfer portal, and constant staff changes, there is a level of unpredictability that even the most stable programs must navigate. However, Notre Dame has managed to maintain its identity through it all—a place where elite football coexists with elite academics, where tradition meets innovation, and where student-athletes are developed holistically. For prospects like O’Brien, Jacobson, and Finley, this message seems to be resonating. Their continued interest and interaction with the program are testaments to how well Notre Dame’s pitch is being received.

The coaching staff deserves credit as well. Head coach Marcus Freeman, now several years into his tenure, has brought a youthful energy and player-first approach that has reinvigorated Notre Dame’s brand on the recruiting trail. Assistants like Denbrock, Stuckey, and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph have not only demonstrated strong evaluation skills but have also excelled in connecting with young athletes and their families. The emphasis on relationship-building, attention to detail, and long-term development has begun to pay dividends, and the updates on O’Brien, Jacobson, and Finley suggest that the staff is executing a coherent and effective plan for the 2026 class.

Beyond just the immediate impact on the recruiting rankings, there’s also the matter of fit and development. Notre Dame has historically been at its best when its recruits not only bring raw talent but also align with the program’s values and expectations. All three of these 2026 targets seem to possess that blend of athletic upside and character that has become a hallmark of successful Irish players. Whether it’s O’Brien’s leadership and cerebral approach, Jacobson’s physicality and work ethic, or Finley’s explosiveness and competitiveness, each recruit embodies qualities that bode well for a strong transition to the next level.

Looking ahead, the recruiting landscape will continue to evolve, and competition for these players will remain fierce. Schools from across the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 will continue to make their pitches and push hard for commitments. But Notre Dame has done well to position itself in the driver’s seat for all three. If the current momentum holds and the coaching staff continues its strong push, there’s a very real possibility that all three could be wearing the gold helmets of Notre Dame in the not-too-distant future.

In conclusion, the recent updates on Joey O’Brien, Evan Jacobson, and Kaydon Finley are more than just standard recruiting news—they are key indicators of a program gaining momentum at a critical juncture. Each of these prospects represents a strategic priority for the Fighting Irish, and the positive signals coming from their camps suggest that Notre Dame’s recruiting machine is operating with clarity and confidence. As the 2026 class begins to take shape, these names will be ones to watch closely. And if the Irish are able to secure commitments from this trio, it could mark a defining moment in Marcus Freeman’s efforts to build a championship-caliber roster for the future.