Notre Dame Football

BREAKING | Notre Dame Lands DE Grad Transfer RJ Oben

By Matt Freeman

December 13, 2023

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Notre Dame needed to boost its edge defense following the losses of Nana Osafo-Mensah and Javontae Jean-Baptiste and Duke grad transfer RJ Oben was the perfect match.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder defensive end has committed to Notre Dame following a visit and he’ll bring 14 sacks to Al Washington’s room in January, but also 50 games of college football experience.

Oben, who was named preseason All-ACC by PFF, registered 17 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks in 12 games for the Blue Devils this fall. PFF also credited Oben with 27 quarterback pressures, which was tied for the team lead.

For his career, the New Jersey native made 67 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, forced five fumbles and made one interception in five seasons in Durham.

Off the field, Oben majored in economics while minoring in African-American studies. Oben’s father, Roman, currently serves as the NFL Vice President of Football Development. The elder Oben was a third round pick by the Giants in the 1996 draft and spent 12 seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl for Tampa.

Oben will join former Duke teammate Riley Leonard (quarterback), Jordan Clark (nickel), Beaux Collins (receiver) and Kris Mitchell in Notre Dame’s portal haul this month.

Portal Scouting Notes | DE RJ Oben