Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class just got a jolt of energy from its newest star commitment. Javian “JO” Osborne, the highly touted running back from Forney, Texas, isn’t just bringing his 4,500+ career rushing yards to South Bend, he’s bringing his recruiting prowess too.
The ESPN No. 6-ranked running back has quickly transformed from prized recruit to active recruiter, putting Notre Dame’s defensive targets on notice with a viral social media push that has Fighting Irish fans buzzing. His message is clear: championship teams need elite talent on both sides of the ball.
Javian Osborne’s Tweet Turns Heads in Notre Dame Recruiting
In a tweet that’s already garnered over 23,000 views Osborne directly called out several top defensive recruits “The Big Guys Need love too! All eyes on y’all Come Home!!” The post specifically tagged defensive prospects @AlisterVallejo and @McHaleBlade, accompanied by a Notre Dame football GIF showing Sam Pendleton celebrating.
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
The timing of Osborne’s recruiting pitch couldn’t be more strategic. Both Alister Vallejo, a three-star defensive lineman from Texas, and McHale Blade, a four-star EDGE rusher from Chicago Simeon, are actively considering Notre Dame among their top choices after receiving offers from the Fighting Irish coaching staff.
Osborne’s approach has already resonated with the Notre Dame fanbase, who view this player-led recruiting as a positive sign for the program’s future. With his impressive high school statistics of 4,522 career rushing yards and 64 touchdowns including a monster sophomore season with 2,231 yards and 39 scores, Osborne brings credibility to his recruiting efforts.
Osborne’s commitment to Notre Dame over powerhouse programs like Michigan, Alabama and Georgia already elevated the Irish’s 2026 class. Now his public recruitment of defensive standouts signals his determination to build a complete roster capable of competing for championships against college football’s elite programs.
This approach aligns perfectly with Osborne’s stated goals. In previous interviews, he’s emphasized his desire to bring a national championship back to Notre Dame, citing the program’s family atmosphere and head coach Marcus Freeman’s authenticity as major factors in his commitment.
Defensive targets like Vallejo and Blade represent critical pieces in Notre Dame’s long-term strategy. Blade has been particularly sought after, completing visits to nine schools this spring while carefully weighing his options among numerous Power 5 offers.
With the program already landing multiple ESPN 300 pledges including top-100 defensive end Rodney Dunham and offensive lineman Tyler Merrill, Osborne’s recruitment efforts could help push the Irish’s 2026 class into elite territory on both sides of the ball.
KEEP READING: Notre Dame Ramps Up Pursuit of 4-Star WR Brayden Robinson As Marcus Freeman’s Staff Stays Aggressive in Crunch-Time Recruiting
Notre Dame’s aggressive recruiting strategy, now bolstered by Osborne’s player-led approach, reflects the evolving landscape of college football recruiting where committed players increasingly influence their future teammates’ decisions.
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