In a thrilling recruiting victory that sends ripples throughout the college football landscape, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have officially secured the commitment of Javian Osborne, the elite 4-star running back out of Texas. Long considered a game-changer in the 2025 class, Osborne’s decision to commit to Notre Dame over Michigan — and a slew of other top-tier programs — marks a significant milestone for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff.
Osborne, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound powerhouse from Duncanville High School, is the kind of back who alters the trajectory of a program. His decision to don the blue and gold of Notre Dame reaffirms the Fighting Irish’s resurgence as a top-tier recruiting power under Freeman and signals a serious intent to return to national championship contention.
The Recruitment Battle: A National Showdown
The pursuit of Javian Osborne was nothing short of a war between titans. Michigan and Notre Dame had been neck-and-neck for months, with Osborne’s recruitment seeing visits to Ann Arbor, South Bend, and even late pushes from SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia. Yet it was the Notre Dame pitch — blending tradition, opportunity, and a clear path to stardom — that ultimately won him over.
“They made me feel like I was already part of the family,” Osborne said in an exclusive interview after announcing his decision. “Coach Freeman, Coach McCullough — they’ve been straight up with me from Day One. I see myself thriving in their system.”
Notre Dame’s commitment to establishing a dominant run game, paired with a tradition of producing elite offensive linemen, factored heavily into Osborne’s choice. According to insiders close to his recruitment, the opportunity to be a foundational player in South Bend and the faith the staff showed in his potential made the difference.
Who Is Javian Osborne?
Osborne is ranked as the No. 6 running back nationally in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite and sits just outside the overall top 100. But rankings only tell part of the story.
On the field, Osborne is a dynamic weapon — a back who combines vision, patience, and power with breakaway speed. During his junior season at Duncanville, he rushed for over 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading his team deep into the Texas 6A playoffs. His highlight reel showcases not just big runs, but tough yards after contact, exceptional balance, and the ability to turn a simple screen pass into a 60-yard score.
He’s not just a runner either — Osborne is a willing blocker and a polished receiver out of the backfield. In today’s game, where versatility is key, his skill set makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Why This Is a Massive Win for Notre Dame
Landing Osborne is about more than just adding another 4-star recruit. This commitment reinforces several key narratives:
1. Notre Dame Can Beat the Big Boys
Michigan had momentum, coming off a national championship and boasting one of the most talented running back rooms in the country. Yet Freeman and his staff were able to not only stay in the race — they closed it. Notre Dame showed it could go toe-to-toe with the likes of Jim Harbaugh and win, even after his departure to the NFL.
2. Marcus Freeman’s Recruiting Clout Grows
Freeman, now in his third year as head coach, has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and personable recruiters in the nation. Osborne’s recruitment proves that his messaging resonates with elite talent, particularly in talent-rich states like Texas, which have traditionally been tough pulls for Notre Dame.
3. It Solves a Future Need at a Crucial Position
With Audric Estimé now in the NFL and the current running back room talented but young, Osborne has a clear path to early playing time. He fills a future need with a proven player and helps Notre Dame maintain balance in its offense.
The Role of RB Coach Deland McCullough
Running backs coach Deland McCullough deserves enormous credit for this recruiting win. Known for his NFL experience and player development success, McCullough developed Estimé and Kyren Williams into draft picks and has created a reputation as one of the best developers of talent in the college game.
Osborne specifically mentioned McCullough in his commitment post on social media:
“Coach McCullough believed in me from the start. His vision for me, his passion, and his honesty stood out from everyone else.”
Under McCullough’s guidance, Osborne has the potential to become a complete back and a multi-year starter in South Bend.
Impact on Notre Dame’s 2025 Recruiting Class
With Osborne’s commitment, Notre Dame’s 2025 class now boasts two 5-stars and six 4-stars, and is currently ranked inside the Top 5 nationally. He joins quarterback Deuce Knight, wide receiver Dallas Wilson, and offensive tackle Owen Strebig in a class that’s shaping up to be one of the most complete in recent years.
Osborne also provides a ripple effect — high-profile recruits want to play with other elite talents. His commitment may help lure other top offensive players to Notre Dame, especially in Texas and surrounding areas. The Fighting Irish have already extended offers to several of Osborne’s high school teammates.
What This Means for Michigan
Make no mistake — this is a blow for the Wolverines. Michigan had prioritized Osborne since last summer and felt confident after his spring visit to Ann Arbor. With Jim Harbaugh now in Los Angeles coaching the Chargers and Sherrone Moore still establishing his own recruiting brand, this represents a missed opportunity for Michigan to land a marquee offensive weapon.
Though the Wolverines remain in the hunt for several other top running backs, Osborne was the prize. Losing him to a traditional rival like Notre Dame stings and may add urgency to Michigan’s efforts to secure other offensive skill talent before the summer.
How Osborne Fits into Notre Dame’s Offensive Philosophy
Osborne is the prototype for what Notre Dame wants in a lead back. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock — now back in South Bend after helping lead LSU’s offense to national prominence — will have no shortage of ways to use Osborne.
Denbrock’s scheme thrives with backs who can run inside zone, bounce to the outside, and catch passes in space. Osborne checks all those boxes. While he’ll likely be eased in as a freshman, don’t be surprised if he sees real touches early, especially if he flashes during summer camp.
With the Irish already returning a veteran offensive line and bringing in Deuce Knight at quarterback, Osborne could be the missing piece in an offense ready to explode in 2026 and beyond.
Texas to South Bend Pipeline?
It’s never easy to pull elite Texas talent away from the Big 12 and SEC, but Osborne’s commitment could open a new door for Notre Dame. With recent hires focusing on expanding Notre Dame’s southern recruiting footprint, getting a star from the Lone Star State — especially one from a powerhouse like Duncanville — shows that strategy is bearing fruit.
Don’t be surprised if Osborne’s success in South Bend leads to more Texas recruits giving Notre Dame serious consideration.
What’s Next for Osborne?
Javian Osborne plans to enroll early and will arrive in South Bend in January 2026. He’ll participate in spring practices and could even push for carries in Notre Dame’s spring game. In the meantime, he’ll focus on finishing his senior year strong and preparing for the jump to college football.
Osborne also indicated he plans to help recruit other players to Notre Dame, saying:
“I’m all in. Now it’s time to build something special.”
With Osborne now locked in, the rest of the 2025 recruiting cycle becomes even more exciting for the Fighting Irish faithful.
