Notre Dame Lands Coveted Defensive Line Transfer Francis Brewu
- Ruben Kelly Ysasi
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Notre Dame has secured a key piece for its defensive line rebuild, landing former Pitt defensive tackle Francis Brewu via the transfer portal on January 13, 2026. The 6-2, 280-pound sophomore announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish, reuniting with new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who originally recruited him out of high school to the Panthers.
Brewu, a former three-star recruit from Thomas Worthington High School in Columbus, Ohio (ranked as a top-500 overall prospect in the 2024 class), entered the portal earlier this month after two productive seasons at Pitt. As a freshman in 2024, he earned PFF Freshman All-American honors with 15 tackles, 3.0 TFL, and 1.5 sacks in 12 games (one start). He followed that up with a breakout sophomore campaign in 2025, starting 12 games and leading Pitt's interior linemen with 36 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 sack, 2 QB hurries, and a forced fumble, earning Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition.
Brewu's physicality at the point of attack, strength against the run, and ability to generate pressures make him an ideal fit for Notre Dame's scheme. He even made an impact against the Irish in 2025, recording three tackles (including one TFL) in Pitt's loss to Notre Dame. With two years of eligibility remaining, Brewu provides immediate starting potential and upside on the interior, helping address depth concerns after attrition in the front.
The connection with Partridge, who left Pitt for the NFL's Colts before returning to college at Notre Dame, was pivotal, giving the Irish a strong inside track amid interest from Tennessee, Indiana, Miami, Ohio State, and others. Brewu visited South Bend this week, and the reunion sealed the deal.
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