As the transfer portal window heats up in early January 2026, Notre Dame's defensive line has emerged as the program's most pressing area of need heading into the upcoming season. Significant attrition, including the retirement of veteran captain Donovan Hinish, the departure of edge rusher Joshua Burnham to Indiana, and the entry into the portal of rising interior lineman Armel Mukam , has left the Irish thin up front. Mukam, a former top-200 recruit in the 2023 class who p

With Kenny Minchey entering the transfer portal, Notre Dame now faces a difficult challenge in finding a reliable backup for CJ Carr.

With Notre Dame looking to return to national championship form, depth will need to be another strength of Marcus Freeman’s roster in South Bend.