Countdown Begins: Five-Star DB Joey O’Brien Set to Reveal College Choice Among
The stage is set, the anticipation is building, and the countdown is officially on. One of the nation’s top high school football prospects, five-star defensive back Joey O’Brien, is just days away from making one of the biggest decisions of his young career—choosing where he’ll play college football.
With national signing day looming, O’Brien has trimmed his list to a handful of powerhouse programs, and the football world is watching closely. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, and Oregon have emerged as the final contenders for the elite defender’s signature, each hoping to land a generational talent who has turned heads since his sophomore season.
The announcement is expected to be made during a nationally televised segment this coming weekend, and according to sources close to O’Brien’s camp, the decision has not come easy.
“This is something Joey and his family have taken very seriously,” said a source familiar with the process. “It’s not just about the football. It’s about the culture, the relationships, and where he sees himself growing over the next three to four years.”
O’Brien, ranked among the top five defensive backs in the 2025 recruiting class, has been a dominant force in the secondary, combining elite athleticism, sharp instincts, and a high football IQ. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing just over 190 pounds, he has the versatility to play both corner and safety at the next level—a trait that has made him a priority target for nearly every top program in the country.
His performances on the camp circuit and under the Friday night lights have only reinforced his status as a can’t-miss recruit. Whether it’s locking down top receivers or coming up with clutch interceptions, O’Brien has consistently shown he’s built for the biggest stages.
“I just want to be somewhere I’m valued,” O’Brien said in a recent interview. “A place where I can compete early, grow as a man, and help win championships. I’ve loved every visit and every conversation, but now it’s time to make the call.”
Each of his finalists offers something unique. Alabama’s defensive tradition, Georgia’s recent dominance, Ohio State’s track record of developing NFL defensive backs, LSU’s “DBU” reputation, and Oregon’s dynamic style and West Coast appeal—O’Brien has no shortage of top-tier options.
Recruiting analysts say the race is still too close to call. Predictions have swung back and forth in recent weeks, and O’Brien has done a masterful job of keeping his final choice under wraps. What’s clear is that wherever he lands, he will instantly become a centerpiece of that program’s 2025 class.
