For Notre Dame to transition from runner-up to title holder, nothing could possibly help the cause more than landing a 5-star playmaking stud who is skilled on both offense and defense. Joey O'Brien is that prospect.

While it wasn’t Notre Dame, New Jersey defensive end Luke Wafle added to a tough week for Penn State by committing to USC on Thursday. He’s the younger brother of Lions defensive tackle Owen Wafle and was long an ideal target at a position of need for Penn State’s 2026 class.

La Salle College High School’s Grayson McKeogh intends to join Notre Dame next season, he told On3.com on Wednesday. The four-star offensive tackle had initially set his commitment date for July 1 and was deciding between the Fighting Irish, Penn State and Texas. He officially visited South Bend and Happy Valley this past month.