Freshman five-star safety Joey O’Brien is introduced to the media last March. Saturday he will get his first start for the Irish. (Photo: Chad Ryan/Irish Illustrated)
Notre Dame will have a new starting safety Saturday. True freshman Joey O’Brien will make his first career start when the Irish travel to West Lafayette to take on Purdue.
Luke Talich is out with a left wrist injury, while Brauntae Johnson remains sidelined with a left foot injury. That leaves the Irish without two safeties who have played major roles on defense and gives O’Brien his first opportunity to start.
O’Brien has played in all three games this season, recording three tackles. The 6-foot-5 freshman arrived at Notre Dame with plenty of expectations, ranked as the No. 39 overall player and No. 3 safety in the 2026 class by 247Sports.
Saturday will be his biggest test yet. Talich was one of Notre Dame’s defensive standouts against Michigan State with an interception, a sack and a pass breakup. Now O’Brien steps into that role alongside veteran safety Adon Shuler.
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne and receivers Xavier Townsend and Asaad Waseem will give the freshman an immediate test. O’Brien will need to stay disciplined, communicate and prevent the big plays Notre Dame has worked hard to eliminate.
The Irish also have another talented young option in sophomore Ethan Long, who is next in line at safety. Long was a highly regarded recruit himself and gives Notre Dame some valuable depth despite the injuries.
For now, though, it’s O’Brien’s turn. Saturday, the freshman gets his opportunity.