As the Notre Dame 2026 class continues to shuffle between the top three in national recruiting rankings, each new addition to Marcus Freeman’s squad carries weight. But what makes this class special is not the number of stars they’ve got in front of their name, but how those stars align together. In short, the chemistry between them. And after about 2 weeks of committing to the Fighting Irish, offensive lineman Tyler Merrill, a 330-pound anchor from Pennsylvania, is already emerging as a central voice in that locker room dynamic.

During his recent official visit to South Bend, Merrill wasn’t there for Notre Dame’s flashy facilities. The Cumberland Valley High School standout had seen all that before. This time, he came to connect with his fellow teammates. Notre Dame’s vision for culture, family, and shared values made its mark on Merrill early, and it’s becoming clear that this team is building a brotherhood. And, you know, birds of a feather stick together (thanks, Billie Eilish); Merrill has already found his brother in Joey O’Brien.

Merrill saw Joey O’Brien as someone he bonded with, regardless of their differing roles. He told IrishSportsDaily, “I’ve known Joey for a little bit now. He was bouncing around everywhere, and he’s obviously a very sought-after guy, but I think the people at Notre Dame really convinced him to do what’s best for him. He told me himself that in 10 years, he might’ve regretted going anywhere else and not to a place that provides as many opportunities at Notre Dame, and I totally stand by that.” Both Joey O’Brien and Tyler Merrill hail from Pennsylvania, bringing their East Coast grit to South Bend. Moreover, if you’ve seen some Joey O’Brien videos, he seems like a really fun guy to be around. And his Fortnite shoot-dance might be the best in college football.

“It’s easier to talk to people like that; background or position or anything else like that doesn’t really affect the way that you talk to someone,” Merrill continued. “Those guys are just great people. That’s what brings us together.” It’s worth noting O’Brien isn’t your normal safety; he’s a five-star prospect who led OT7 with 11 interceptions. The next guy had 4 interceptions. So, Merrill’s respect for O’Brien and what he represents is not only the cultural cohesion Notre Dame is after, but also how they have managed to bring top-tier talent together. After all, you’re the average of the five people you hang around.

As Notre Dame fans keep their eyes on the field, this 2026 class is forming its foundation behind the scenes. With linemen like Merrill and elite playmakers like O’Brien leading the charge, the Irish are cultivating the next wave of leaders, bonded not only by football talent but by shared purpose.

The Keystone Commitment Notre Dame Needed

Joey O’Brien’s decision to commit to Notre Dame was a message to other blue-bloods. The La Salle College standout is ranked the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania and a top-five safety nationally. He chose the Irish over powerhouses like Clemson, Oregon, and Penn State. For head coach Marcus Freeman, it was a major boost in building an elite class. And for Notre Dame fans, they might want to fasten their seatbelts for another CFP appearance.

The buzz around O’Brien isn’t without reason, though. At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, he has recorded 36 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and an interception in just 11 games last season. Here comes the kicker: he’s a two-way threat. So, with defence, he has also put up 1,029 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns as a two-way threat. But it wasn’t just the football side that sold O’Brien. “Just going on that official visit with the people there, how they develop you and that degree you get there, it holds so much wealth,” O’Brien told On3. He added that his future self would have regretted turning down Notre Dame—a place that offers a rare opportunity.

What sets O’Brien apart even further is his mindset. “He develops players, and if you’re good and ready to play, he’ll play you,” he said of DBs coach Mike Mickens, signaling full confidence in his development path. The trust he’s built with the staff, from Freeman to Mickens to recruiter Carter Auman, played a key role in his decision. And beyond football, he’s stepping into a locker room full of like-minded talent, including fellow Pennsylvanian Tyler Merrill. The two bring East Coast toughness and mutual respect into South Bend, helping lay the foundation of Notre Dame’s rising 2026 class.