BREAKING | 2026 RB Javian Osborne Commits to Notre Dame
Running back recruiting at Notre Dame has been operating at an elite level in recent years and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Notre Dame took another major step forward with the 2026 class as Forney (Texas) running back Javian Osborne announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish, giving the program one of the top backs in the country.
Irish running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider deserves significant credit for the recruiting win. He hit the ground running and quickly formed a genuine connection with Osborne.
“When I went on the first visit, we just hit it off really well,” said Osborne. “He wasn’t faking anything. I’ve been on a lot of visits where you can tell a coach is faking it. Coach Seider was just really personable and wanted to build that relationship. It was genuine.
“I felt that. I was able to build that trust with him. I trust and believe in what he says.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also made an impression on the four-star prospect, which was significant given the Texas native had built strong relationships with some of the best coaches in the country.
“Whenever I talk to Coach Freeman, I feel ready to play a football game,” explained Osborne. “He has that aura about himself. He’s really positive and has a great energy. That’s really attractive and that’s positive to be around. It’s really refreshing because you don’t see that often. He’s a great human being.”
Osborne made his first visit to South Bend in March and returned a few weeks later for the spring game.
That’s all he needed as the Forney star committed to Freeman before he left following the Blue-Gold Game.
“I told Coach Freeman I’m committing and I’m all in,” stated Osborne. “I talked to the GM and the running backs coach. They’re excited for me and I’m excited too. I’m just ready to roll.”
The culture at Notre Dame, from coaches to players to fellow recruits, proved to be a defining factor in Osborne’s decision.
“I can definitely see myself as one of them,” Osborne explained. “It was great to be around those guys - great mannerisms, great character and they are just like me. I know I fit in well with that locker room. It was great to talk to the running backs and some of the receivers.”
2026 offensive line commit Sullivan Garvin believes Osborne is the perfect fit for the Irish and couldn’t be more excited to block for one of the nation’s most explosive backs.
“He's an awesome guy,” Garvin said. “I talked to him at the spring game. He's really cool. He's got a good spirit about him. He's really cool, so he'll be a great addition to the class. He'll fit right in.”
HIGH SCHOOL STATS
2024: 1,227 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns (11 games)
2023: 2,231 rushing yards, 39 touchdowns (15 games)
2022: 1,064 yards, eight touchdowns
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