IRISH RECRUITING SURGE: Latest Intel on Joey O’Brien, Khary Adams, and Kaydon Finley After Notre Dame’s Biggest Recruiting Event of the Year
Notre Dame’s most impactful recruiting event of the year has come and gone, but the ripple effects are just beginning to be felt across the college football landscape. Over the weekend, South Bend was buzzing as the Fighting Irish hosted some of their top targets, and the coaching staff left a lasting impression on several key prospects. Among the names to watch closely in the aftermath of the festivities are Joey O’Brien, Khary Adams, and Kaydon Finley—three highly-touted recruits who left campus with a clearer vision of their potential futures in blue and gold. For Marcus Freeman and his staff, this recruiting push wasn’t just another weekend—it was a defining moment in their efforts to shape the next era of Notre Dame football.
Joey O’Brien, the dynamic edge rusher from Pennsylvania, was already high on Notre Dame’s board, but his visit this weekend may have solidified the Irish as a frontrunner for his commitment. O’Brien, who brings a mix of power and finesse to the defensive end position, came into the visit with strong ties to programs in the Big Ten and SEC. Yet it was the immersive experience in South Bend—from the time spent with current players to the one-on-one conversations with defensive line coach Al Washington—that seemed to resonate most deeply with the rising star. Sources close to O’Brien’s camp indicate that the trip exceeded expectations and that the Irish are now firmly in his top two schools. O’Brien was particularly drawn to Notre Dame’s emphasis on both football excellence and academic integrity, aligning well with his family’s long-term goals.
The staff’s plan with O’Brien appears to center around him being an immediate impact player within the defensive rotation, with the potential to start as early as his sophomore season. Freeman, a former linebacker himself, has a sharp eye for defensive talent, and O’Brien fits the mold of the disruptive playmaker the Irish defense has been lacking in recent years. With a commitment likely to come before the start of his senior season, all eyes will be on whether Notre Dame can close the deal on one of the Midwest’s most coveted defensive prospects.
While O’Brien’s stock has been high for months, the emergence of Khary Adams has been one of the more intriguing developments from the weekend. The Georgia-based cornerback was not initially considered a lock to visit Notre Dame this early in the cycle, but the program’s persistent interest clearly paid off. Adams, a long, rangy defensive back with elite track speed and impressive ball skills, arrived in South Bend with curiosity—and left with conviction. Multiple insiders reported that Adams bonded well with defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, who outlined a development path for Adams that includes comparisons to recent Irish stars like Julian Love and Kyle Hamilton.
Adams’ recruitment has been heating up, with Florida State, Tennessee, and LSU all making strong pitches in recent weeks. However, Notre Dame’s ability to offer a blend of Power Five competition and national visibility, paired with a strong academic tradition, seems to have caught his attention. One source close to the situation described Adams’ reaction to the campus as “awe-struck,” noting how impressed he was with the history and culture embedded in the program.
A key moment in Adams’ visit came during a film breakdown session, where the coaching staff showed him exactly how he would be utilized in Notre Dame’s evolving defensive schemes. This transparency, combined with the program’s proven ability to develop NFL-ready talent, could be the differentiator that ultimately sways Adams’ decision. Though he has additional visits lined up later this summer, Notre Dame’s stock is rising fast in this battle. A strong follow-up effort from the staff in the coming weeks could put them in pole position when decision time arrives.
Kaydon Finley, the Texas-based wide receiver and son of former NFL tight end Jermichael Finley, might be the prospect who made the biggest leap up Notre Dame’s internal board this weekend. Already respected as a polished route runner with excellent hands and a high football IQ, Finley impressed not only with his on-field metrics but also with his maturity and leadership during group activities. Wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey reportedly spent considerable time with Finley, both in film study and informal settings, helping the young wideout envision himself as a key part of Notre Dame’s offensive future.
Finley’s interest in Notre Dame is rooted in more than just football. The junior receiver values education and faith, two pillars that align well with the Irish tradition. During his visit, he toured the Mendoza College of Business and was reportedly “blown away” by the academic resources and post-football opportunities available to student-athletes. That combination of athletic development and holistic support struck a chord with both Finley and his parents, who are heavily involved in his recruitment.
From an athletic standpoint, Finley projects as a hybrid receiver who can line up in the slot or outside, offering flexibility and mismatch potential. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock sees him as an ideal fit in a scheme that thrives on balance and versatility. While Texas and Oklahoma continue to press hard for his commitment, Finley’s visit to Notre Dame has added a new wrinkle to his recruitment. Several sources close to the program now believe the Irish are within striking distance of landing him, provided they can maintain momentum over the summer.
This weekend’s showcase was not just about hosting prospects; it was about solidifying relationships, presenting clear developmental roadmaps, and planting the seeds for long-term success. Freeman and his staff were strategic in how they approached each visitor, tailoring the experience to address individual concerns and aspirations. For O’Brien, that meant showing the pipeline to the NFL and how he fits within the Irish defense. For Adams, it was a deep dive into positional fit and mentorship under Mickens. For Finley, it was about blending athletics, academics, and personal growth.
The buzz coming out of South Bend suggests that Notre Dame achieved its objectives and then some. Recruits and their families left with a deeper understanding of the Irish brand—one rooted in tradition, discipline, and excellence. If even one of these three priority targets ends up committing, this past weekend will be seen as a major win for the program. If two or more pledge their allegiance to the blue and gold, it could be the cornerstone of a top-5 national class.
It’s worth noting that Notre Dame’s recruiting operation has evolved significantly under Freeman. The head coach has embraced a more modern, aggressive strategy—emphasizing early contact, personalized messaging, and high-energy visits that engage not only the player but their inner circle. This holistic approach was on full display over the weekend, with parents, siblings, and mentors given as much attention as the recruits themselves. This level of care and detail hasn’t gone unnoticed by those inside the recruiting world.
As summer heats up and more visits are scheduled, Notre Dame now finds itself in the driver’s seat for several elite prospects. The coming weeks will be critical as commitments begin to roll in, but one thing is clear: this past weekend may well be the turning point for Notre Dame’s 2025 class. With Joey O’Brien, Khary Adams, and Kaydon Finley all trending upward in their interest, the Irish have positioned themselves to not only compete but potentially dominate on the recruiting trail. The question now shifts from “Can they land these stars?” to “How many of them can they close on before the fall?”
Whether or not all three end up choosing Notre Dame, the impact of their visits will reverberate through the program for months to come. Coaches across the country are taking notice, and recruits are talking. The Irish are not just in the mix—they’re leading it. And if the momentum continues, South Bend could soon be the home of another elite recruiting class built on vision, values, and an unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
