After Javian Osborne, a four-star talent and Forney native, made his commitment to Notre Dame officially known on May 3, 2025, he ended months of suspense for fans and the Notre Dame program.
Osborne is a highly rated football player with great physicality and skills. Among his significant accomplishments, Osborne helped his high school team reach the Texas 5A Division I state semifinals, a substantial stage in high school football playoffs.
His high school performance—and skills like his speed and passing abilities—earned him offers from top programs, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.
Why Did Osborne Commit to Notre Dame?
While trying to decide among the top programs recruiting him, Osborne had specific reasons for choosing the Notre Dame football team.
During an official visit in March, Osborne expressed his eagerness to work with Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman. He mentioned that Freeman is a great coach with a contagious, positive aura. Osborne also connected well with the rest of the coaching staff and quickly bonded with the players.
It seemed inevitable that Osborne would commit to Notre Dame. However, what surprised many was what he did next, as revealed by a tweet posted on his X account:
The Big Guys Need love too! All eyes on y’all Come Home!!
@backfield_e @AlisterVallejo @McHaleBlade pic.twitter.com/jDiW3lzGdf
— Javian “JO” Osborne (@osborne__era) May 10, 2025
Osborne specifically tagged Elijah Golden, McHale Blade, and Alister Vallejo. Golden is a defensive tackle in the class of 2026 at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. The 6’4” player has received 36 offers but has yet to commit.
Blade, an edge defender in the 2026 class from Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, has received 28 offers. Aside from mentioning a dinner with Stanford’s head coach, he has made no official decision.
Alister Vallejo plays defensive end and is part of the graduating class of 2026 at Liberty Hill High School, Texas. Vallejo has received 13 offers thus far, but has made no commitment like the others.
Javian Osborne’s Tweet Turns Heads in Notre Dame Recruiting
Osborne’s pitch to these three top defenders is bold and public and already generating buzz in South Bend. His tweet is a public call to strengthen a Notre Dame defense that is already solid. With players like Gabriel Rubio and Xavier Watts, the Irish defense forced several turnovers last season.
The defense has been instrumental to the team’s recent success. Still, due to some shortcomings in the pass rush and inconsistencies, Osborne’s tweet comes across as both a challenge and a rallying cry, putting added expectations on the current roster and future defensive recruits.
This has, in turn, sparked a buzz among Notre Dame fans and elicited surprisingly positive reactions.
Everyone agrees that Osborne’s bold move could mark a turning point for the team’s progress. And despite the defense’s strengths, there are gaps to be addressed.
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Whether the tagged players commit or not, Osborne’s tweet has already alerted the team. All eyes are now on Notre Dame, and players and coaches alike will be invested in their growth to keep the momentum Osborne has sparked alive.
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