The 2025-26 transfer portal madness is set to begin later this week, and for Notre Dame football, it could be a very active period.
Since the Irish opted to sit out the bowl season, they’ve had plenty of time to get their transfer boards set with which prospects they’ll be going after once the window begins. Notre Dame has seen multiple players make their intentions known that they’ll leave South Bend, so there will be holes to fill.
Here is a quick transfer portal primer, which new rules you need to know about, what areas of need that Notre Dame should go after, and a few players to know at those positions.
New rules
First off, there are more than a few new transfer portal rules that will dictate how the period will go, a much different version from the past few seasons. There is just one window, there will be no transfers in the spring, just from Jan. 2nd through Jan. 16th. Players can’t officially enter until the start, so all announcements so far have been about players intention to enter, the same for graduate transfers. If a coaching change happens following the start, players will have a 15-day window to enter.
Defensive areas of need
It’s pretty obvious that Notre Dame will need to go after a few cornerbacks and potentially a safety as well. While some of the incoming freshman are viewed as elite, it’s still difficult to be in impact player right out of high school. Defensive tackle is a bit light on experience, but that could change if Jayson Onye gets an extra season. Getting one or maybe two isn’t a bad idea.
Defensive names to know
First off, this is just pure conjecture as is the offense, as not many players have been linked to Notre Dame, but work is being done behind the scenes. With that being said, let’s look that the defensive line with former Penn State player Chaz Coleman, who would be a perfect fit, but the early indications are that he’s an Ohio State lean. Mateen Ibirogba former of Wake Forest would be a great second-option, as would USC’s Devan Thompkins. Notre Dame could go after former Purdue tackle Jamarrion Harkless also.
As for defensive backs, former Nittany Lion A.J. Harris is a former 5-star, and would be a solid addition with plenty of experience. Auburn’s Kaylin Lee was recruited by the Irish in high school, and they could go after him again.
Offensive areas of need
The Irish will lose two quarterbacks to the portal, and should add another as insurance for starter CJ Carr. Whoever would come into the program would have to know they’re going to be a backup, so don’t expect a flashy name here. Running back is another area of need, along with wide receiver. The Irish are losing some depth on the offensive line as well, but have recruited very well there and shouldn’t need to make an addition.
Offensive players to know
Let’s start with quarterbacks, Trayvon Jackson could return home and play his final seasons with the Irish. There aren’t many others that might consider being No. 2 behind Carr.
Running back there are more than a few solid options, starting with NC State’s Hollywood Smothers. Notre Dame could kick the tires with former commit Dylan Edwards as well. At receiver, Michigan State’s Nick Marsh would be at the top of the list, but there will be plenty of suitors for his services. Jayvan Boggs could be another, as there is a previous relationship there.
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