Notre Dame secured a major recruiting win over Michigan by landing a commitment from four-star running back Javian Osborne, the No. 6 RB prospect in the nation for the 2026 class, according to ESPN. Osborne announced his decision on Saturday.
A 5-foot-9, 190-pound standout from Forney, Texas, Osborne is ranked No. 81 overall in the ESPN 300 for 2026. He’s one of the most productive high school running backs in the country and becomes the third-highest-ranked commitment in head coach Marcus Freeman’s 2026 recruiting class, following visits to both Notre Dame and Michigan last month.
Speaking with ESPN, Osborne emphasized how repeated visits helped him feel at home with Notre Dame, citing the school’s legacy of producing elite offensive linemen and running backs as key reasons for his decision.
“Notre Dame is known for running the ball. They’re O-line U,” Osborne said. “They’ve produced so many great players who made it to the NFL. What running back wouldn’t want to be in that environment?”
Osborne has put up staggering numbers in high school, rushing for 4,522 yards over three varsity seasons. He broke out with 2,231 yards and 39 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2023, and followed up with 1,227 yards and 25 touchdowns in his junior year, averaging over 6.5 yards per carry.
His recruitment included interest from top programs like Alabama, Georgia, Miami, and SMU, but Osborne ultimately focused on Notre Dame and Michigan. He made final visits to both schools in April before choosing the Fighting Irish.
“People always say it, but you really have to go where your heart is,” he told ESPN. “NIL can’t help you in a goal-line situation. You have to love where you are — and I fell in love with Notre Dame.”
With Osborne’s commitment, Notre Dame now holds 10 ESPN 300 recruits in the 2026 cycle, including three in the top 100: Osborne, DE Rodney Dunham (No. 57), and OL Tyler Merrill (No. 67). Osborne would be Notre Dame’s highest-rated running back signee since Chris Tyree (No. 30) in 2020 if he follows through with his commitment.
Looking ahead, Osborne will likely join a crowded backfield led by Jadarian Price, Aneyas Williams, and Kedren Young, as current star Jeremiyah Love is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
With Osborne’s commitment, six of ESPN’s top 15 running backs in the 2026 class have now made decisions, while elite prospects like Derrek Cooper, Savion Hiter, Ezavier Crowell, and Davian Groce remain uncommitted.
