Youth Over Experience, Potential Over Proven: Notre Dame in the Transfer Portal

Liam Farrell
2 days ago
3 min read

Notre Dame’s evolving transfer portal strategy under Marcus Freeman and Mike Martin signals a calculated shift from short-term rentals to long-term roster development, betting on coaching and culture to fuel a 2026 championship season.

Photo by The Irish Tribune

Under Chad Bowden's tenure as general manager of Notre Dame, the Irish were exclusively shopping for graduate transfers in the portal. Whether it be because of the strict and rigorous guardrails of Notre Dame's academic prestige or a tactical plan, the Fighting Irish were always looking at the portal as the cherry on top of a sundae.

This is best highlighted through the additions of Riley Leonard, Sam Hartman, and Malachi Fields to name a few. Names like Will Pauling, Beaux Collins, or the yearly rotation at the nickel position highlight this claim as well.

Yet, under Mike Martin and this staff's new game plan, the Irish elected for potential and longevity over a rental option. This appears to be the opposite direction other top programs have taken while navigating college football's uncharted waters. The Indiana Hoosiers just completed one of the most impressive seasons ever in the sport's history based on the back of experienced players who brought thousands of snaps rather than five-star ratings.

Notre Dame's overall game plan in the portal appeared to be a head-scratcher at the beginning before finally taking shape near the closing of the portal period. It is clear Martin and Freeman are banking on natural talent rather than a proven commodity. This decision can also be made because of the faith in the coaching staff Notre Dame has put together and retained this offseason. Mike Brown will certainly get some interest from NFL organizations, but with the additions of Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter, he has plenty of options to develop in South Bend.

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While there is a fear of losing assistant coaches to the NFL, arguably the most valuable addition this offseason has been from the NFL level with Charlie Partridge taking over as the defensive line coach. Partridge is as well-respected across the coaching ranks as anyone, and his track record of converting NFL talent is second to none. Coupled with his relationship with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash, the Irish have a home run hire. Partridge will inherit a multitude of weapons including Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young, and Jason Onye, while adding Keon Keeley, Francis Brewu, and Tionne Gray.

While 2026 has been labeled as a "championship or bust" year for Notre Dame, it is intriguing to see the direction that Martin took in the offseason. Rather than putting all their chips in the center of the table with a one-year rental, he took multiple candidates that can impact 2026 and beyond. That longevity or loyalty in college football appears to be a thing of the past, but the culture Marcus Freeman has cultivated at Notre Dame is unlike any other.

With Freeman's time in South Bend appearing to be numbered, CJ Carr facing an NFL decision, and multiple impact defensive pieces making the next step in their careers, 2026 is shaping up to be THE YEAR.

Even with a portal haul that brings in an immense amount of talent, I'm not sure it's what the 2026 roster needed the most. It probably helps the program stay afloat after this season, but with so many things lining up for this to be the year for Notre Dame, I thought they'd put the cherry on top with one major splash. Nonetheless, the Irish have the talent, and it is now on the coaching staff to develop and train the youth on this roster for a breakout season in South Bend. With a relatively light schedule, especially at the beginning of the season, Notre Dame can work out the kinks and build momentum as the season rolls along.

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