“Ready For What July Got In Store”: Javian Osborne Gets Hyped As Notre Dame Climbs To No. 3 In Recruiting Rankings

Notre Dame football fans have grown accustomed to fireworks on the field, but this year, the real explosions are happening off it. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his tireless staff have catapulted the Irish’s 2026 recruiting class to the No. 3 spot nationally, according to the latest On3 rankings. That surge has ignited excitement across South Bend and well beyond — including in Forney, Texas, where one of Notre Dame’s key commits is helping lead the charge.

Four-star running back Javian Osborne, the electric playmaker out of Forney High School and a consensus top-100 national prospect, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm as the Irish vaulted into the nation’s elite in recruiting. Taking to social media platform X, Osborne declared, “No.3 Ready for what July Got in store for us GoIrish.” The message was short, bold, and perfectly captured the momentum building around Marcus Freeman’s program as they charge into another critical month on the recruiting trail.

For Osborne, this is more than just internet hype — it’s personal. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back committed to Notre Dame in May, choosing the Irish over heavyweights like Michigan, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. His pledge was a major statement for the Irish, both because of his on-field potential and his off-field influence. Osborne has embraced his role as a vocal recruiter within the 2026 class, working behind the scenes to bring more top talent to South Bend.

In particular, Osborne has set his sights on luring elite offensive weapons to join him in Freeman’s system. One of the primary targets? Devin Fitzgerald, a dynamic wide receiver from California ranked among the nation’s best pass catchers. Fitzgerald is set to announce his college decision on July 5, and Osborne’s tweet — laced with anticipation for what “July got in store” — is no coincidence. The Texas native has been in Fitzgerald’s ear for weeks, pitching the vision of an Irish offense that could soon be loaded with future stars.

The broader recruiting picture for Notre Dame is every bit as impressive. Freeman’s relentless efforts, combined with his staff’s nationwide connections, have paid off handsomely. In June alone, Notre Dame secured six additional commitments, bolstering an already stacked 2026 class that now stands at 22 total pledges. Headliners include hard-hitting safety Joey O’Brien and towering tight end Ian Premer, both considered top-200 national prospects in their own right. Add in Osborne’s dynamic playmaking ability, and the Irish have assembled a balanced, high-upside group that checks every box.

It’s a wave of momentum that feels inevitable given how Freeman has positioned the program. The second-year head coach has reshaped Notre Dame’s recruiting approach with aggressive energy, national reach, and a player-first message that resonates with elite prospects. The impact is tangible — and so is the fan optimism. According to a recent poll by The Athletic, a staggering 93.6% of Notre Dame fans expressed confidence in the direction of the program’s recruiting. That figure reflects not only the headline commitments but the consistent effort to stack depth and athleticism at every position.

For Osborne, who has amassed 4,522 career rushing yards and 56 touchdowns in his high school career so far, the allure of Notre Dame goes beyond rankings and recruiting buzz. He’s spoken openly about the transformational leadership Freeman provides, saying it “changes your perspective” as a young athlete. That culture — rooted in accountability, excellence, and tradition — is precisely what has driven Notre Dame back to the forefront of the national conversation.

Indeed, Freeman’s squad nearly reached the mountaintop last season, falling just short in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship game. That performance rekindled belief across the Irish fanbase and served as a powerful recruiting tool on the trail. Prospects like Osborne, O’Brien, Premer, and others see a program on the brink of something special — and they want to be part of writing the next chapter.

The Irish aren’t done yet. July could prove to be a defining month as Notre Dame continues its pursuit of several marquee recruits. Kaydon Finley, a dynamic linebacker out of Texas with sideline-to-sideline range, is high on Freeman’s board. So is Brayden Robinson, a burner at wide receiver who clocked a blistering 10.4-second 100-meter dash this spring. Both players are expected to make decisions soon, and Osborne has been an active part of those conversations, reinforcing the vision of Notre Dame as not just a football powerhouse, but a family.

There’s a sense that this class could be historic. Notre Dame has not finished with a top-3 recruiting class in over a decade, but Freeman’s aggressive style and the program’s renewed energy have created real belief that 2026 could be different. The Irish currently trail only perennial powers like Georgia and Ohio State in the rankings, and with several top targets still uncommitted, the No. 1 spot is within striking distance.

The timing couldn’t be better. Notre Dame is building for sustained national relevance, stacking elite recruiting with on-field success and modernizing its approach to player development. Osborne is emblematic of that future — a blue-chip talent from football-rich Texas who believes in Freeman’s vision and is helping shape the class around him.

Fans don’t need to look far for proof that momentum is real. Osborne’s own high school résumé speaks volumes. With nearly 4,500 rushing yards, countless broken tackles, and a knack for explosive plays, he’s widely regarded as one of the most dangerous backs in the 2026 cycle. His versatility — capable of catching passes, running between the tackles, and burning defenders in space — makes him a perfect fit for the evolving Notre Dame offense.

It’s not just what Osborne brings with the ball in his hands. His leadership, charisma, and commitment to building something special are equally valuable. That’s why his tweet carries weight beyond social media hype. “Ready for what July got in store” isn’t just a playful jab at rivals — it’s a warning that Notre Dame is far from done adding elite talent.

The Irish faithful know the feeling. Last year’s national championship game run reignited belief. Freeman’s recruiting efforts have capitalized on that momentum. And now, with players like Osborne leading the charge, Notre Dame sits at No. 3 nationally with designs on finishing even higher.

July promises to be pivotal. Commitments loom. Targets are narrowing choices. And Freeman’s staff continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes. For Osborne and the rest of the 2026 commits, the message is clear — Notre Dame is rising, and they’re ready for what comes next.

As Osborne said best: “GoIrish.”