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College football in 2026 is truly a war of attrition. Teams have always had to account for losing players through graduation and pursuing their dreams at the next level, but the transfer portal era has made building depth and keeping position groups stocked with talent an unenviable task. Recruiting will always be the foundational piece of any contending program, but if you want to consistently place yourself in title talks, using the transfer portal is not only an additional tool, but a necessity. Even for a storied program like Notre Dame, the same rings true, but thankfully, Coach Freeman and company have excelled at adapting to the new order of things. By any metric, the 2025 season for the Notre Dame secondary was not a perfect one, especially early in the season. Some injuries, scheme changes, and flat-out poor play were all culprits that contributed, but the bottom line is it was not the lockdown unit that helped propel the Fighting Irish to the National Championship the year prior. Now, the depth from that unit is set to also take a hit with the outgoing transfers of Cree Thomas, Karson Hobbs, Ben Minich, Chance Tucker, JaDon Blair, and Taebron Bennie-Powell, plus the graduation of Jalen Stroman and DeVonta Smith. That is a lot of talent to walk out the door at one position group, but under the leadership of Coach Freeman, it has never been rebuild but reload, and for the 2026 season, he did some major reloading. One of those portal additions is 4-Star Cornerback DJ McKinney, who spent last season under the tutelage of Deion Sanders at the University of Colorado. McKinney is a long corner, listed at 6'2", and definitely presents some versatility in his film. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Biggest Strength: Zone Coverage Notre Dame fans saw a lot more zone Coverage toward the back end last year, as compared to Al Golden's scheme previously. It provided some moments of angst before the defense really settled in for the year. If the plan is to continue to mix in healthy doses of zone for the foreseeable future, a cornerback like McKinney certainly fits. He has a very natural feel for when to drop and get some more depth on his zone, and when to drive on underneath routes. He displays high-level mental processing, understanding route concepts and when to pass things off. He reads the Quarterback's eyes well and triggers on throws with good timing. McKinney is very proficient from a cover 2 look, giving himself enough depth to defend corner routes and deep outs and also has the athletic ability to carry WRs vertical out of cover 3. H possesses the ball skills to turn errant passes into turnovers, which will continue to be a big point of emphasis for the Fighting Irish under Freeman. I think McKinney shows a knack for mirroring off the line of scrimmage in man coverage as well, with the athletic ability to stay in phase with WRs in and out of their breaks, but I would lean towards zone as his strongest scheme fit. Biggest Weakness: Press Although I would label McKinney as a solid man corner, press coverage is something specific I would call an area to keep an eye on. McKinney has the ideal length for being able to be physical at the line of scrimmage, but he doesn't always do the best job of pairing his punch timing and footwork. At times, he can get himself off balance when he goes for the jam, which allows the WR to create some separation right off the line and make it hard for McKinney to get back in phase. He needs to do a better job of keeping a solid base and landing his punch in order to be able to consistently hold up in man on the outside, especially when left without safety help over the top. Mike Mickens was one of the best secondary coaches in the country, helping develop guys like Leonard Moore and Xavier Watts, but he has departed since the signing of McKinney, so now Aaron Henry, who is expected to join Freeman's staff from Illinois, will be tasked with working with McKinney on this part of his game. I would expect DJ McKinney to see a healthy amount of playing time during his first season in South Bend, and as his development continues, so too will his opportunities. Marcus Freeman saw his defense get off to a slow start in 2025, which ultimately culminated in missing out on a playoff berth. To avoid not-so-ancient history from repeating itself, players like McKinney will have to quickly fill voids created by the constant roster churning that pervades the new college football landscape. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

After it was announced that Notre Dame linebackers coach Al Washington would be leaving to take a job with the Miami Dolphins, it appears that Marcus Freeman is narrowing in on his replacement, Brian Jean Mary, per multiple sources. Photo by Maysum Hassanali If Notre Dame is able to get a deal done, Jean-Mary would be the perfect replacement. With well over 20 years of coaching experience, Jean-Mary has become known for not only being able to recruit high-level talent but also developing that talent into units that rank among the best in the country and eventually become NFL draft picks. Jean-Mary landed his first coaching job as a graduate assistant on the Louisville strength and conditioning staff. After just one year there, he would get his first job on the defensive side of the ball as a part of Lou Holtz's staff at South Carolina. It would not be for a few years that Jean-Mary would land his first big gig as a linebackers coach at Georgia Tech. From 2004-09, he helped build the Yellow Jackets' defense into one of the best units in the country. In 2007, Georgia Tech finished top-25 nationally in both scoring defense and total defense, and second in tackles for loss. Although that was his best year there, the Jackets were consistently a top-30 defense in the country during his tenure, laying the foundation for Jean-Mary's future success. After Georgia Tech, Jean-Mary returned to Louisville, this time as an assistant head coach/linebackers coach. In four seasons, Louisville went on to win two Big East titles (2011, 2012). In two of those seasons, Jean-Mary helped in transcending the Cardinal's defense. In 2010 and 2011, the Louisville defense ranked in the top-20 in five different defensive categories. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Jean-Mary would then find himself in Austin, Texas, as the linebackers coach and a recruiting coordinator for the Texas Longhorns. In those three seasons, the Longhorns became known for their ability to get to the quarterback, ranking inside the top-15 for sacks in each of his three seasons as a part of their staff. With that success, Jean Mary would take on more responsibilities as the defensive coordinator for the USF Bulls. At USF, he built a defense that became elite at causing turnovers. In his three seasons as the DC, the USF defense was responsible for 69 turnovers, causing more than 20 in each season. Since 2020, Jean-Mary has been the linebackers coach for both Michigan and Tennessee. At both programs, he has continued to build great defenses that excel at stopping the run and wreaking havoc in the backfield. He has a long track record of doing just that, finding success at every stop throughout his storied career as a defensive coach. At Notre Dame, it will be just as important to recruit at a high level as well. Marcus Freeman has brought Notre Dame to the forefront of both high school and portal recruiting. With the losses of Mike Mickens and Al Washington, Notre Dame is in need of effective recruiters on the defensive staff. Jean-Mary has shown the ability to be exactly what Notre Dame needs. During his time at Texas, Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech, Jean-Mary helped recruit at least one top-15 recruiting class at each stop. With the ability to bring in talent, he has also helped develop 10 of those players into NFL draft picks. All in all, if finalized, Jean-Mary appears to be a home-run hire for Freeman and the Irish. He checks all the boxes as an experienced and successful position coach at the highest level of college football, and he also strengthens the staff's recruiting prowess, which has been at an all-time high in recent years. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

After losing DB Coach Mike Mickens to the NFL, Marcus Freeman moved swiftly to name a successor. Aaron Henry, the former DC and DB's coach at the University of Illinois, will be taking on a similar role with the Fighting Irish. Photo via The University of Illinois Henry's playing days began in Wisconsin, where he played safety for four seasons with the Badgers, earning Academic All-Big Ten selection three times. Henry finished his career with the Badgers, totalling 181 tackles, 7 TFL's, 4.5 sacks, and 7 interceptions. He would eventually be signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oakland Raiders; however, his professional career was short-lived. After being released by the Raiders, Henry's coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Arkansas alongside his former HC, Bret Bielema, at Wisconsin. He would leave after two seasons to join current Notre Dame DC Chris Ash at Rutgers to coach defensive backs in 2016. That year, the Scarlet Knights' secondary finished in the top-20 in opponent passing yards per game, but finished at an abysmal 2-10. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Henry would leave for a three-year stint at NC State the following season, coaching safeties in his first year before transitioning to coaching cornerbacks. Henry would help lead the Wolfpack to an impressive 9-4 record during his first season, although the defensive metrics were anything but staggering. After finishing with the same record in 2018, NC State would finish 4-8 during his final season in the ACC. Finally, after a stint at Vanderbilt, Henry would once again reunite with Bret Bielema at Illinois in 2021 as the Defensive Backs Coach. In 2022, Henry would earn a nod as Football Scoop's DB coach of the year after the Illini improved to 8-5, with his secondary amongst the best against the pass. Henry was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in 2023, where he cut his teeth as a playcaller. Henry led the Fighting Illini defense to the winningest stretch in program history, with 19 wins between 2024 and 2025, with six wins against ranked opponents. In 2024, the Illinois defense improved drastically, jumping 62 spots in scoring defense from the previous season, allowing under 22 points per game. Finally, in 2025, eight defensive starters on Henry's defense earned all-conference honors. Replacing Mike Mickens is a tall task, but bringing in a familiar face for DC Chris Ash, as well as a coach who has improved year over year, could be just what the doctor ordered. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @LiamGaudetIT  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

After the 2025 College Football season came to a close, Notre Dame fans across the country were still wringing their hands, wondering what if? That's a question that will never be answered, but make no mistake about it, Marcus Freeman and his staff didn't take it lying down. For years, we watched the college football landscape change and Notre Dame refuse to keep up with the times. For years, we begged for them to spend the money to build the program back to where it once was, a powerhouse of the college football world during the days of Rockne, Leahy, Ara, and Holtz. For decades, following the departure of Lou Holtz, Notre Dame refused to change with the times and do what was necessary to win. With the previous athletic director, Jack Swarbrick, appearing to cling to the University's funds as if they came out of his own pocket, it seemed it would never change. Enter President Father Dowd and the current athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, who both vowed to do what it took to make the football program elite again. Many fans weren't willing to hold their breath, as we've all heard it before, and yet it never seemed to happen. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! It appeared we had been hoodwinked again as the portal opened and Notre Dame seemed to remain idle. It left many fans wondering if it was just the same old Notre Dame. I was told by multiple sources leading up to the portal window that "Notre Dame was going to shock a lot of people in a good way" when it came to portal acquisition, but fans remained on edge. That was until the floodgates were finally opened. After the first week of the portal window concluded, Notre Dame began announcing commitments and signings left and right, one elite signing after the other, filling vital holes left from players declaring for the draft and the transfer portal. Notre Dame's defensive line went from its biggest weakness going into 2026 to its biggest strength after signing Keon Keeley, Tionne Gray, and Francis Brewu. Notre Dame didn't stop at the defensive line, as they landed two explosive weapons in Ohio State WR transfers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham. QB CJ Carr had one of the best seasons for a young QB at Notre Dame in many years, if not the best, and will now have some explosive star power at the wide receiver position for the 2026 season. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Notre Dame finally came through as promised, and there shouldn't be any doubt as to how badly they want to win another national championship. The Irish went out and spent the money, filling the holes that needed to be filled. The 2026 season appears to be very bright for this team, and on paper, it may be one of the best teams in school history. Of course, that still has to be proven on the field, but Notre Dame appears primed for the big stage next fall. Notre Dame fans have a ton to look forward to in the upcoming season, but had to stomach through another season of coming up just short. It will all be worth it, though, if the Irish can finally put it all together next season. With one of the best recruiting classes in a generation coming in, a bolstered roster from the portal, and a seasoned QB in CJ Carr, this upcoming season should be one for the ages. Until next fall... Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow bruce_straughan  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Look ahead to Notre Dame's 2026 season with an early look at six of the Irish's opponents. Read Part One her e . Stanford (Oct. 10 at ND Stadium) 2025 Record : 4-8 (3-5 in ACC) Head Coach : Tavita Pritchard (1st season) Notes : Cardinal GM Andrew Luck found his program’s HC in his former backup QB from his time at Stanford. Pritchard, a long-time assistant with the program, including time as an OC, faces a tall task building this program back up. Last season, Stanford was a senior-led team that struggled with QB play. The Cardinal have brought in Michigan transfer Davis Warren to compete with incoming three-star freshman Michael Mitchell Jr for the starting job. Notably, Stanford will return their starting RB Micah Ford, but lost three of their top four receiving options, and they did not do much to replace the lost production in the portal.  Prediction : The Irish will handle the Cardinal at home. This game could get ugly fast with Notre Dame’s defense just being much more talented than the Stanford offense, and they should feast on Warren if he is deemed the starter. Stanford seemingly always has at least a decent defense, but Notre Dame’s firepower should be too much. Navy (Oct. 31 at Gillette Stadium) 2025 Record : 11-2 (7-1 in AAC) Head Coach : Brian Newberry (4th season) Notes : This will be a much different-looking team than the one the Irish have pounced on over the last two years. Notable players such as QB Blake Horvath, FB Eli Heidenreich, and RB Alex Tecza have moved on to their professional careers. Navy’s top four leading rushers and top two leading receivers, in addition to Horvath, will all need to be replaced. Braxton Woodson should be in line to earn the starting QB position, which Irish fans received a hint of at the end of the 2025 Irish-Navy game. I think Woodson is a better pure runner than Horvath, creating some intrigue with this season’s Midshipmen offense. Defensively, they will return some key LBs and DBs, including their top three leading tacklers. However, their pass rush will need to be addressed, with their top three sack leaders not returning. Prediction : With the notable losses, especially offensively, I think Navy takes a step back this season. Notre Dame should continue their domination of the Midshipmen on Halloween night in Foxborough.  Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Miami (Nov. 7 at ND Stadium) 2025 Record : 13-3 (6-2 in ACC) Head Coach : Mario Cristobal (5th season) Notes : How will the Canes follow up their CFP Championship run? Well, Cristobal must replace starting QB Carson Beck, EDGEs Rueben Bain Jr and Akheem Mesidor, and three offensive linemen, including OT Francis Mauigoa. These losses also include Miami’s top three sack leaders, who combined for 27 this past season. Via the portal, the Hurricanes did not lose many impact pieces, but the depth certainly took a hit. Some notable players looking to run it back this season include starting RB Mark Fletcher Jr., leading WR Malachi Toney, and leading tackler Mohamed Toure. Some notable additions via the portal include Missouri EDGE Damon Wilson II (#8 overall, #3 EDGE), Boston College S Omar Thornton (#89 overall, #6 S), and a pair of receivers in South Carolina’s Vandrevius Jacobs (#87 overall, #21 WR) and West Virginia’s Cam Vaughn (#132 overall, #32 WR). As far as QB is concerned, these questions were answered in recent days with Duke QB Darian Mensah announcing his decision to transfer down to Coral Gables.  Prediction : There is no question that this is the game circled on Notre Dame’s calendars. Over a year after the Hurricanes topped the Irish in a season-opening contest in Miami, the two teams rematch in South Bend this November. It might be a little too early for snow, but if the weather can play a factor, that should provide the home squad an advantage. I think HC Freeman, along with Notre Dame’s returning pieces, will come out with revenge on their minds and play with their hair on fire. While last year’s contest was a high-scoring affair, I think this year’s edition is a low-scoring, grind-it-out, physical game. I will take Notre Dame by two scores in a comfortable fashion.  Boston College (Nov. 14 at ND Stadium) 2025 Record : 2-10 (1-7 in ACC) Head Coach : Bill O’Brien (3rd season) Notes : O’Brien has a LOT of work to do if the Eagles are going to improve on a two-win year. At the moment, I would argue this season’s team is worse on paper. Boston College was depleted this offseason due to graduating seniors, NFL Draft entries, and the transfer portal. Among the players lost include: all three QBs who attempted a pass in 2025 (1 draft and 2 transfers), the top two leading rushers (1 graduate and 1 transfer), the top three leading receivers (2 draft and 1 transfer), starting S Omar Thornton who ND will see against Miami, and the team’s sack-leader Sedarius McConnell will be entering the draft. Among the 29 total players who transferred out of Chestnut Hill this offseason, the two most notable are Thornton and new Arizona State WR Reed Harris. However, the Eagles did some work themselves via the portal, bringing in 25 transfers from pretty much all levels of CFB, including former ND LB Bodie Kahoun. I would guess O’Brien has a QB competition this offseason between their two transfers, Mason McKenzie (Saginaw Valley State) and Grayson Wilson (Arkansas). McKenzie is a dual-threat who had his struggles throwing the ball, while Wilson did not receive any action with the Razorbacks. Finally, while the DBs did lose Thornton to the Hurricanes, they will return their leader in tackles and interceptions, KP Price, and their leader in PBUs, Isaiah Farris, to help out the secondary. Prediction : Notre Dame came out sleepwalking against the Eagles in 2025, when they won by just 15 as nearly 30-point favorites. I hope that game is a part of Freeman’s new mantra, “leave no doubt,” as the Irish should have won that contest by at least three scores. This year, in South Bend, I expect the Irish to blow the Eagles' doors off. The talent level is too far divided for Boston College to be hanging around. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle SMU (Nov. 21 at ND Stadium) 2025 Record : 9-4 (6-2 in ACC) Head Coach : Rhett Lashlee (5th season) Notes : Two seasons removed from playing in the inaugural 12-team CFP, Lashlee and the Mustangs lost a lot this offseason, mostly due to graduating seniors and NFL Draft entries. The one massive returning piece is QB Kevin Jennings, who has thrown for over 2,300 yards with at least 23 TDs the previous two seasons. Defensively, SMU returns most of its solid LB core. The Mustangs brought in a pretty good transfer class this offseason, featuring East Carolina WR Yannick Smith (#93 overall, #23 WR) and Texas A&M TE Theo Melin Ohrstrom (#147 overall, #9 TE). Now the departures: The only big hit via the portal came from RB2 Chris Johnson Jr., who has transferred to Clemson. However, SMU is in line for a big 2026 NFL Draft with their starting RB, top two WRs, top two TEs, both starting Safeties, and all four starting Defensive Linemen entering this spring. The Safety duo led the Mustangs in tackles while combining for seven INTs and 10 PBUs last year. The four DL were SMU’s top four leading sack-getters. It will be interesting to see who steps up on the Mustangs to replace the massive amount of production lost on both sides of the ball. Prediction : Again, I am curious as to who will step up around Jennings this season. I do not imagine the talent level is better this year compared to last, given all of the departures. Jennings can win some games by himself, but not against Notre Dame. I will take the Irish to win comfortably on Senior Day against a warm-weather program in late November. Syracuse (Nov. 28 at JMA Wireless Dome) 2025 Record : 3-9 (1-7 in ACC) Head Coach : Fran Brown (3rd season) Notes : When Brown led Syracuse to a 10-win 2024 season and when QB Steve Angeli was healthy in the early part of the 2025 season, the Orange looked like a team reliant on a high-powered passing offense. After losing eight straight games to close last season, including a 70-7 beatdown at ND, I think we will see somewhat of a philosophy shift from HC Brown as he goes back to his defensive roots. This also might just be due to the personnel he has to work with in 2025. At QB, Angeli, the former Irish transfer, is the assumed starter once he is fully recovered from his achilles injury. However, eyebrows were raised when Syracuse brought in three transfer QBs: Kennesaw State starter Amari Odom, former five-star recruit and UTEP transfer Malachi Nelson, and Georgetown starter Danny Lauter. The Orange also brought in 15 additional transfers, but nothing too notable at this moment. Their biggest postseason win probably comes with the defensive returners, including the top three leading tacklers and top two leaders in PBUs, giving Brown a solid foundation to work with. Notable losses this offseason include the top two RBs (1 transfer, 1 draft), top five WRs (4 transfers, 1 draft), including Darrell Gill Jr and Johntay Cook, who both transferred to Ole Miss, and both their starting TE and sacks leader to the draft.  Prediction : I think Syracuse gives Notre Dame a little scare in this regular-season finale. Coach Brown should have his team fired up after the drumming they took in South Bend last season, and it will be the Orange’s Senior Day. The Irish can not sleepwalk into this one, and I do not expect them to. Notre Dame wins by 14, pulling away in the fourth quarter, completing a 12-0 regular season and guaranteeing a spot in the CFP. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! 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Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. After six incredible seasons, Notre Dame Defensive Backs coach Mike Mickens has accepted the vacant Defensive Backs coaching position with the Baltimore Ravens. Mickens joined the Fighting Irish in 2020, being hired to coach the cornerbacks by way of Cincinnati - not unlike Marcus Freeman. Mickens would see plenty of success both on the recruiting trail and on the field, as he helped to elevate one of Notre Dame's biggest weaknesses into one of its greatest strengths throughout his tenure. Mickens would be elevated to Defensive Backs coach in 2024 after helping the Irish reach third in opponent total passing yards per game. The following season, the Irish would finish top-10 in total defense for the second season in a row, largely due to the elite play of the Irish secondary. Mickens was an unsung hero in many ways and excelled in both recruiting and player development. The list of players developed by Mickens is long, but some of the most notable are as follows: Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback (2022-2024) Benjamin Morrison is fondly remembered as one of the more dominant corners in Notre Dame's illustrious history. In his freshman season, Morrison amassed six interceptions, which included his famous return to seal an Irish victory against Clemson. He allowed just a 37.1 passer rating when targeted, and led all Power-4 corners in interceptions through his first two seasons in college football. Morrison compiled a career PFF grade of 90.5, among the nation's best. Mickens helped to bring Morrison to South Bend and ultimately developed him into one of the best cover corners in the country heading into his junior season. Unfortunately, Morrison's career was cut short early into his final season, but the tape he had compiled was good enough to be selected in the second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Xavier Watts, Safety (2020-2024) If you want to know just how good Mike Mickens developed players, there is no greater example than Xavier Watts. Watts was recruited to Notre Dame to play wide receiver; however, after just one season, he would switch to linebacker in an effort to help the team in any capacity he could. Despite playing in 11 games at the position, Watts would switch to safety in 2022, where Mickens would ultimately develop him into one of the greatest Notre Dame safeties of all time. In 2023, Watts would absolutely explode onto the scene, leading all defensive backs with seven interceptions in 13 games. Watts would famously intercept Caleb Williams twice in South Bend in Notre Dame's victory over USC, part of a three-game stretch where Watts amassed five interceptions. He would win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to college football's best defensive player in 2023, and was also named a unanimous All-American. Watts returned in 2024, and was a driving force behind Notre Dame's run to the national championship. He would once again rack up six interceptions after being named a team captain, and would finish his career off with another consensus All-American nod. Watts would shockingly fall in the NFL draft despite elite production, but he has paid off handsomely for the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in the third round. Watts' rookie NFL season saw him reel in five interceptions, and he is a finalist for the defensive rookie of the year. All this to say Mike Mickens was able to develop a depth piece at wide receiver into one of the most decorated safeties in Notre Dame history. Leonard Moore, Cornerback (2024-Present) Coming out of high school, Leonard Moore was an underrecruited talent who flew under the radar of national recruiting services and teams alike - but not Mickens. Leonard Moore would commit to Notre Dame as a lengthy and raw talent, but it didn't take long for Mickens to develop Leonard Moore into the best cornerback in the country. To the surprise of many, Leonard Moore would start as a true freshman and completely dominate. PFF gave Moore the highest grade amongst all freshmen defenders in 2024, and he would amass 48 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 11 passes defended. Moore had an argument to be the best corner in college football after just one season. He would follow up his freshman season with another ridiculous campaign, totalling five interceptions and a consensus All-American selection. Moore still has one season of college football remaining, but is widely regarded as a top-10 talent in the 2027 NFL Draft. Mike Mickens developed Leonard Moore into the best corner in college football in record time, getting the most out of the room once again. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle The bottom line is, Mike Mickens isn't someone the staff can just replace. It's incredibly difficult to excel in talent evaluation, recruiting, and development, but Mickens hit on all three exceptionally well. It was truly remarkable what he was able to accomplish at Notre Dame, and he will now reunite with Kyle Hamilton, another elite Notre Dame defensive back in the NFL. The good news for the Fighting Irish is that this opening will be one that is incredibly sought after among coaches throughout the country. Mickens has laid the foundation for the room to be elite for years to come, as he secured commitments from multiple elite secondary talents in the class of 2026. With the calendar crunch now over, Marcus Freeman is afforded ample time to find the successor to one of the greatest Irish assistant coaches in recent history. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @LiamGaudetIT  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

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. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! 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. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @ LiamFarrell_IT  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle   here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

With the 2025 College Football season officially under wraps, we look ahead to Notre Dame's 2026 season with an early look at six of the Irish's opponents. Wisconsin (Sep. 6 at Lambeau Field) 2025 Record: 4-8 (2-7 in Big Ten) Head Coach: Luke Fickell (5th season) Notes: The Badgers caught a bit of fire at the end of last season with upset wins over Washington and Illinois in two of the last four weeks after Fickell was reportedly on the hot seat. Wisconsin brass has stuck with their coach this season and spent some money in the portal, bringing in over 30 transfers. It is expected that Old Dominion QB transfer Colton Joseph will be the Badgers’ signal-caller in 2026. He impressed against Conference USA defenses, but time will tell how he fares against consistently talented groups like the Irish and Big Ten contenders.   Prediction: We see a fired-up version of Notre Dame after months of thinking about their CFP snub. Wisconsin could end up having a solid six-win season, but trying to figure out its offense against an Irish defense that returns most of its core should spell trouble for the Badgers. Notre Dame routs Wisconsin in one of the most iconic venues in all of sports. Rice (Sep. 12 at ND Stadium) 2025 Record: 5-8 (2-6 in American) Head Coach: Scott Abell (2nd season) Notes: The Owls lost their starting QB to Kansas this offseason, but they were able to bring in former four-star recruit and UCF transfer Jacurri Brown as a potential replacement. Rice was also able to replace some key defensive losses via the portal with multiple power-conference school transfers, including former Irish EDGE Preston Zinter. Prediction: This is the obvious trap spot on Notre Dame’s schedule, similar to past instances where the Irish were tripped up by Northern Illinois, Marshall, etc. However, Marcus Freeman’s new mantra is “Leave No Doubt.” Notre Dame can not, and will no longer, overlook these types of games. Expect Freeman and Co. to put a beating on the Owls in Zinter’s return to South Bend. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Michigan State (Sep. 19 at ND Stadium) 2025 Record: 4-8 (1-8 in Big Ten) Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (1st season) Notes: The Fighting Irish and Spartans renew their rivalry with the former Northwestern HC leading MSU in his return to coaching. Despite massive roster turnover featuring 43 outgoing and 26 incoming transfers, the Spartans believe they have a QB in Alessio Milivojevic who took over in the last month of the past season. How everything looks around Milivojevic is to be determined, considering the losses of their starting RB Makhi Frazier to Ole Miss and top receiver Nick Marsh to Indiana. This matchup will also see the return of WR KK Smith and former LB Coach Max Bullough to South Bend. Prediction: Notre Dame will win, but it will not be easy. Fitzgerald will have MSU playing with violence, and as a result, should find themselves within reach of almost any game. However, having to play at Notre Dame in his third game at the program is just not ideal following two early matchups against MAC programs. Irish by 10 in a close scare. Purdue (Sep. 26 at Ross-Ade Stadium) 2025 Record: 2-10 (0-9 in Big Ten) Head Coach: Barry Odom (2nd season) Notes: While it was not a pretty first year for Odom in West Lafayette, help is on the way. In addition to returning starting QB Ryan Browne, Purdue has brought in 26 transfers, many of whom hail from big-time programs such as former Georgia EDGE Elo Modozie, a top-110-ranked transfer according to 247 Sports. Expect the Boilermakers to continue improving after bottoming out in 2024 during a 1-11 season. Prediction: The Boilermakers have not been able to stop the Irish offense in their past two meetings, and it is hard to see things changing with CJ Carr’s expected development and a seemingly improved selection of weapons. Browne had a solid performance against Notre Dame this past season, throwing over 250 yards with a TD and an INT as the Boilermakers surprisingly dropped 30 points on an Irish defense that was searching for an identity. I think we can see another high-scoring affair with the Irish coming out on top by at least 14. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle North Carolina (Oct. 3 at Kenan Memorial Stadium) 2025 Record: 4-8 (2-6 in ACC) Head Coach: Bill Belichick (2nd season) Notes: Freeman and Notre Dame head east for a matchup with the greatest NFL HC of all time. The Tar Heels lost a lot, especially defensively, including their star CB to the NFL, and two key LBs transferred elsewhere. Belichick will be working with former Arkansas OC and interim HC Bobby Petrino to figure things out offensively. UNC brought in Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr and Texas A&M transfer Miles O’Neill to compete for the starting QB role, with Edwards viewed as an early favorite. If they can get improved play at the QB position, UNC could compete in a lowly ACC. Prediction: Notre Dame wins by two to three scores. Despite his NFL success, the Irish still have the better HC and the better talent compared to the Tar Heels. I would expect the Irish defense to feast on either Edwards or O’Neill, both of whom have yet to show they can consistently compete against top power-conference defenses. BYU (Oct. 17 at LaVell Edwards Stadium) 2025 Record: 12-2 (8-2 in Big 12) Head Coach: Kalani Sitake (10th season) Notes: About eight months after the Irish declined an invitation to play the Cougars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the two teams will meet in 2026 with CFP implications likely on the table. Much like Notre Dame, BYU is a unit on a mission after it also felt snubbed from the 2025 CFP. After rumors circled around Sitake and Penn State, the Cougars' legend returns for his tenth year, and he returns some top talent as well. Among the returning starters are QB Bear Bachmeier, RB LJ Martin, and top WR Parker Kingston. BYU did not lose much this offseason and was even able to bring in the #8 transfer TE, Walker Lyons from USC, and the #1 portal LB, Cade Uluave from Cal.  Prediction: This will be a fun one. Coming into this game, BYU will be much more tested with previous contests against Arizona, TCU, and Iowa State. Additionally, LaVell Edwards has one of the best atmospheres in all of college football, and I would assume the Cougars will do everything in their power to get this game in primetime, creating an electric scene. That being said, I think Notre Dame pulls away in the 4th quarter as their offensive firepower is just too much for the BYU defense. Give me the Irish in a tight one-score victory. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

In the ever-evolving college football landscape, Indiana has become the very embodiment of that evolution, capping it off with a National Championship win. During this time of change within the sport, what are some ways Notre Dame can learn from Indiana to ensure they bring a National Championship back to South Bend? Photo by Notre Dame Athletics Indiana captivated the nation on their way to the National Championship with their underdog story. They were a team built by a group of players that never had the opportunity to play Power-4 football until they got to Indiana. Many of them came from schools like James Madison, Texas State, and other Group of Five schools, but this became their superpower. Curt Cignetti was able to use the chip on the shoulder that every one of his players had for not getting recruited by the big schools coming out of high school to motivate his players. Watching them play, it was evident that Cignetti's players used that chip to outwork and outplay their opponents. For Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman has the chance to do a similar thing heading into the 2026 season. While Freeman will not be able to use the same chip as Cignetti, it will be important that Freeman gives his players some extra motivation to get the most out of them. Of course, that chip would be their absence from the 2025 CFP. The 2026 Notre Dame team will have a lot of returning players from the 2025 season, and they will surely still be upset about being left out of the playoffs. It will be their spark, along with Freeman's, to set the tone for next season that they have a point to prove in 2026. As Freeman said on ESPN's pre-game show, "it's up to us to leave no doubt." If Freeman can give them that extra edge, combined with the talent on the team, 2026 could be a special year for the Irish. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! The strongest part of Indiana's football team this year was their ability to do all the "little things" so consistently well. They were elite at limiting turnovers, penalties, and avoidable mistakes. This allowed them to play clean games while their opponents beat themselves. Indiana had the fifth fewest penalties per game and the best turnover margin in the entire country. Not only were they surgical in their execution, but they also caused teams to make plenty of mistakes. Indiana always seemed to be in the right spot, at the right time, making the right play. This sort of coaching and execution allowed them to play so consistently well and beat teams with rosters that were better on paper. Freeman already has a lot of these things in the works. It is clear that the culture he is building at Notre Dame has all the potential to be a winning one. Notre Dame, like Indiana this year, has players that are willing to do the "little things" that are required to win a National Championship. While this is the case, Notre Dame is not quite on Indiana's level of execution. Last season, Notre Dame still saw lapses in play. Whether it was a missed block, blown coverage, or a bad throw; there is still plenty of room for Notre Dame to improve. It takes an entire team, however, because that is what has made Indiana so great. Notre Dame was just a few plays away from being undefeated this season. Against Texas A&M, it was a missed extra-point attempt, a defensive penalty, and a dropped interception that caused the Irish to lose that game, and that was all in the final minutes of the game. It is these mistakes that Indiana did not commit very frequently this season, which led them to an undefeated season. If Notre Dame wants to do the same, they can look at Indiana as the standard for how a team needs to execute every game. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle One thing that Indiana has taught the entire country is that stars don't seem to matter as much as they used to. Player rankings are a huge part of college football, whether that's in the high school recruiting or the transfer portal. Yes, of course, it is important for school's to recruit the best players possible, and those rankings are usually a good gauge of the talent of those players. Indiana just proved its not the be-all and end-all, though. Made up of mostly lower-rated three star prospects, Indiana beat Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and Miami, all schools that recruit better than Miami. Cignetti, instead of trying to recruit the highest-rated players available, compiled a group of players that worked well in his system, played exceptionally hard, and had a lot of experience. This combined, led Indiana to outplay teams that recruit at the highest level in college football. Notre Dame, under Freeman, has become one of those teams that also recruits at a very high level. As of now, Notre Dame has the third best incoming class, according to 247 Sports. While this incoming talent is exciting, it will be important for Freeman to remember that fit may be just as important as talent, especially at a place like Notre Dame. So far, Freeman seems to have a good understanding of this, as every Notre Dame transfer appears to immediately fall in love with Notre Dame. Just recently, Will Pauling was a grad transfer this past season and was voted captain for his only year at Notre Dame. That shows how well Freeman and the staff were able to identify a player that could help with his talent, along with his fit within the team. All of this is also important to remember for the Notre Dame fans. Fans should want their team to get all the best players available, but it is the coaches job to know if that talent will fit with the culture of the team and what the team needs. Freeman has shown an ability to do this at a high level through high school and portal recruiting, and the 2026 class has the potential to the take them to the next level. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Although Marcus Freeman and his staff got off to a bit of a slow start, they have been able to put together quite an exciting and talented portal class that is undoubtedly one of the best in the country. Good things come to those who wait, and that adage proved truthful for the Fighting Irish. Photo by Notre Dame Athletics Quincy Porter, Ohio State Wide Receiver: A One of the two Ohio State wide receivers making their way to South Bend, Porter is exactly what Notre Dame hoped to get in the portal. After losing Malachi Fields at the end of the season, it seemed important that Fields' size and athleticism were replaced in the wide receiver room. With no significant replacement on hand, that meant they were going to have to find that size and jump-ball threat in the portal. Porter was their answer and a good one at that. Standing at 6'4" and 210 lbs, Porter is the prototypical size for a boundary wide receiver and brings unique size to an already talented room. Porter has yet to see real playing time in his college career, as he was just a freshman sitting in the best wide receiver room in the country at Ohio State. At Notre Dame, Porter will have the chance to live up to the five-star grade he received in high school and develop into a dangerous weapon for one of the best returning quarterbacks in the country. The only reason Porter is not getting an A+ is the fact that he is still an unproven commodity. The offense will be relying on Porter to develop into the player they need him to be, and not the one he is right now. Mylan Graham, Ohio State Wide Receiver: B+ Making up the other half of the duo, Graham is another key addition to the wide receiver room. Like Porter, Graham is a very talented player who just never got his chance at Ohio State. The former five- star only recorded six catches during his time in Columbus. Now, Graham will likely be a big part of the offense at Notre Dame. While Porter's size and athleticism pop, it is Graham's smooth route-running and quickness that make him such an intriguing player. Graham could already be one of Notre Dame's best route-runners and playmakers after the catch. Although players like Jordan Faison are great at fighting for yards after the catch, Graham now brings the ability to break any play loose due to his speed and agility. Although talented, Graham is more of a luxury, it seems for the Irish. With a boundary wide receiver need filled with Porter, Notre Dame did not appear to need another receiver. The lack of filling a true need is the only reason the Graham addition is not an A, but it is never a bad thing to add talent to an already talented group. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Francis Brewu, Pittsburgh Defensive Tackle: A+ The biggest need for the Irish coming into this portal cycle was on the defensive line. After losing a lot of production and experience to the draft, graduation, and portal, it was critical that Notre Dame land some talented players along the defensive line. As the portal season progressed, it seemed increasingly obvious that Brewu was a must-get for Marcus Freeman and this Chris Ash defense. Brewu was rated as one of the best defensive linemen in the portal and fits perfectly with what Notre Dame wants at that position. He is explosive, incredibly strong, and has a real knack for getting off his blocks to make plays at the line of scrimmage. Brewu, in just his first year of real playing time, was one of the better players in the ACC at his position. He also has multiple years of eligibility to remain and grow at Notre Dame under Charlie Partridge. Brewu gets the A+ grade due to not only his skill and talent, but he also fills an important role for the 2026 Irish defense that is beginning to look more and more formidable. Keon Keeley, Alabama Defensive End: A- In a full circle moment for Notre Dame and the fans, Keon Keeley finds his way to Notre Dame to bring more reinforcements to the defensive line. It is well known that Keeley was once a five-star commit for the Irish before eventually flipping to Alabama. Although his talent would flash during his time at Alabama, Keeley never truly found his footing as a member of the Crimson Tide. Last season, Keeley totaled only 13 tackles and three sacks, a few being in the CFP. Now, it is Notre Dame's job to tap into the potential they saw when they recruited him just a few years ago. With his size and athleticism, Keeley has the chance to play a huge role for this Notre Dame defense. With a 6'5" and 282 lbs frame, Keeley has the size and strength to take some snaps from the interior of the defensive line. As the depth of that position is still a bit light, Keeley could be part of the answer. While being big enough to play in the interior, he also has the speed and athleticism to play on the edge alongside Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young. That positional flexibility is a huge bonus, but it will still be a waiting game to see if Keeley can finally break through and live up to the high school hype. Jayden Sanders, Michigan Cornerback: B+ To help bolster an already stacked secondary, Sanders is another important addition to this Notre Dame transfer class. As just a freshman, Sanders played over 300 snaps, which is a ton of experience for a player his age. While Sanders did show promise on a talented and young Michigan defense, he also struggled at times, but it is obvious what Mike Mickens sees in him. Sanders is long, wiry, and appears to have good instincts for being around the ball. With a lot more room to grow, Sanders can now continue to hone his skills under the coaching of Mickens and the mentorship of Leonard Moore. With a few departures at this position, Sanders is going to offer great depth for the Irish and high upside for the future. DJ McKinney, Colorado Cornerback: B+ As if this secondary needed anymore talent, McKinney is exactly what a Mickens cornerback looks like and should be a great fit. Going into his last year of college football, McKinney is also going to bring in a ton of playing experience to a group that has already played in their fair share of big games. Listed at 6'2, McKinney is a long, athletic, and aggressive corner that thrives in man-to-man coverage, a favorite for Notre Dame. With his impressive speed and length, McKinney is able to cover a lot of ground in coverage and make plays on the ball. In his three years of playing, he has totaled 18 pass breakups, four interceptions, and 133 tackles. Although he is not the nickel corner that many people thought Notre Dame would target in the portal, McKinney is just another big and athletic defensive back who will surely make an impact on what could be the best secondary in the country. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Spencer Porath, Purdue Kicker: A The special teams unit was a bit of a roller coaster ride last season. Notre Dame saw three different kickers all struggle to put the football through the uprights. Porath will be the next transfer kicker in what now seems to be a pretty long line at Notre Dame. Last season, Porath was very accurate with the chances he got, hitting 88% of his 17 attempts. Although Porath may not have a huge leg, he has proven to be very accurate from short distances, going 9 of 9 on all of his attempts inside of 40 yards last season. With a career long of 53 yards, he does have the ability to hit from range, but it is beyond 40 yards where he saw both of his misses last year. Porath does not need to be the best kicker in the country for Notre Dame and its fans to be happy with his play. After last season, many would be happy to see him make all of his extra points, which he did last season. If Porath makes the easy ones and can consistently make some of the tough ones, Porath will be exactly what Notre Dame has been missing. Tionne Gray, Oregon Defensive Tackle: A+ In a similar vein to Francis Brewu, the Irish doubled up late in the cycle with the addition of Tionne Gray from Oregon. After missing on some big interior pieces early in the portal window, a second defensive tackle, and one ranked very highly, was just what the doctor ordered for the Irish. Gray has incredible size, standing at 6'6" and weighing in at a hair over 330 pounds. In two seasons at Oregon, Gray compiled 18 total tackles and two TFLs, which both came during the 2025 campaign. Gray looks poised to become a great interior run-stuffer for a Notre Dame team that, once again, desperately needed help on the interior. To get a player of this quality that late during the portal window is a grand slam for Notre Dame. Gray and Brewu could both end up being the biggest additions in terms of immediate impact this cycle. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

As the dust settles from Notre Dame's 2025 campaign, the Fighting Irish are navigating the ever-evolving landscape of college football's transfer portal. The winter window, which opened on January 2nd, 2026, and runs through January 16th, has seen significant, yet stalling, movement from the program. While head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff focus on rebuilding and retaining talent in South Bend, a total of 19 players have entered the portal, seeking new opportunities elsewhere. This tracker focuses on the departures, providing details on each player's position, remaining eligibility (where available), and any confirmed new destinations. Notre Dame fans know the portal cuts both ways—losses create opportunities for fresh faces and strategic additions. We'll update this as commitments roll in, but for now, here's the full rundown of players leaving the Irish roster. Stay tuned for incoming transfer news in our separate portal additions tracker. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Departures Date Position Player Name Class Status Eligibility Remaining New School 1/'7/2025 Wide Receiver Antavious "Scrap" Richardson True Freshman 4 years Auburn 1/7/2025 Linebacker Anthony Sacca True Freshman 4 years UCLA 1/7/2025 Linebacker Bodie Kahoun Redshirt Freshman 3 years Boston College 1/6/2025 Defensive Line Preston Zinter Redshirt Sophomore 2 years Rice 1/5/2026 Wide Receiver KK Smith Redshirt Freshman 3 years Michigan State 1/3/2025 Defensive Back Karson Hobbs True Sophomore 2 years Florida State 1/2/2026 Wide Receiver Leo Scheidler Graduate (Walk-on) 1 year 1/2/2026 Wide Receiver Alex Whitman Graduate (Walk-on) 1 year 1/2/2025 Defensive Back Cree Thomas True Freshman 4 years Colorado 1/1/2026 Defensive Line Armel Mukam Redshirt Sophomore 2 years Notre Dame (Withdrawn) 12/30/2025 Defensive Line Joshua Burnham Redshirt Junior 1 year Indiana 12/26/2025 Kicker Marcello Diomede Redshirt Sophomore 2 years 12/23/2025 Defensive Back Ben Minich Redshirt Sophomore 2 years Miami (Ohio) 12/22/2025 Defensive Back JaDon Blair Redshirt Freshman 3 years Missouri 12/17/2025 Defensive Back Taebron Bennie-Powell Redshirt Freshman 3 years Boise State 12/17/2025 Running back Gi'Bran Payne Redshirt Senior* 2 years Cincinnati 12/17/2025 Defensive Back Chance Tucker Redshirt Senior* 1 year 12/16/2025 Quarterback Anthony Rezac Redshirt Freshman 3 years South Dakota State 12/8/2025 Quarterback Kenny Minchey Redshirt Sophomore 2 years Kentucky *indicates medical redshirt available for the player Notre Dame is set to face two former Irish players, Bodie Kahoun and KK Smith, in the 2026 season. Kahoun signed with Boston College on January 10th, & Smith verbally committed to Michigan State on the early afternoon of January 11th. The Irish host Michigan State on September 19th, 2026, and the Eagles will make the trip to South Bend on November 21st. Former Irish Defensive Lineman/Linebacker Preston Zinter will be making the position switch to Tight End for next season at Rice. Former Irish Wide Receiver Scrap Richardson will be switching to Defensive Back at Auburn. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Additions Date Position Name Class Status* Eligibility Former Team 1/12/2026 Defensive Back DJ McKinney Redshirt Senior 1 year Colorado 1/12/2026 Wide Receiver Quincy Porter Redshirt Freshman 4 years Ohio State 1/12/2026 Defensive Line Keon Keeley Redshirt Junior 2 years Alabama 1/12/2026 Defensive Back Jayden Sanders True Sophomore 3 years Michigan 1/13/2026 Defensive Line Francis Brewu True Junior 2 years Pitt 1/13/2026 Wide Receiver Mylan Graham Redshirt Sophomore 3 years Ohio State 1/13/2026 Kicker Spencer Porath True Junior 2 years Purdue 1/15/2026 Defensive Line Tionne Gray Redshirt Sophomore 3 years Oregon *indicates a player's class when they play next season. For example: Mylan Graham will be a Redshirt Sophomore in the 2026-27 season, but has three years of eligibility (including that year.) On January 12 , 2026, Notre Dame broke a week-long silence in the transfer portal by landing four high-level commitments in a single day, shifting momentum after a slow start that had frustrated fans amid several departures. The additions, two former five-star talents and two experienced defensive backs, bolstered key areas, particularly wide receiver and the secondary, while providing immediate depth and long-term upside for the 2026 roster. The headline grabber was Quincy Porter , the former Ohio State five-star wide receiver (No. 23 overall and No. 4 WR in the 2025 class), who committed after limited freshman snaps (4 catches for 59 yards) in Columbus. The 6-4, 210-pound boundary threat brings elite size, contested-catch ability, and vertical speed with four years of eligibility left, offering high upside as a potential starter and complement to the Irish's receiving group. Joining him were Keon Keeley , the former Alabama edge rusher and one-time Notre Dame commit (five-star in 2023), who returns for a potential redemption arc with two years remaining after modest production (16 tackles, 3 sacks in 2025); DJ McKinney , the productive Colorado cornerback (97 tackles, 4 INTs over two seasons) adding Power-conference experience and ball skills to the secondary; and Jayden Sanders , the former Michigan four-star CB (23 tackles as a freshman in 2025), providing boundary depth and special teams value with three years of eligibility. These four prospects collectively address pressing needs and elevate the talent level as the portal window continues. In the days that followed, Notre Dame continued building with additional targeted additions to round out needs across the roster. Mylan Graham (WR, Ohio State, another former five-star recruit) committed as a rising junior with three years of eligibility remaining, bringing speed and route-running polish after six catches for 93 yards in limited 2025 action; the former top-40 national prospect from Indiana adds competition and depth to the receiving corps alongside Porter. Spencer Porath (K, Purdue*) arrived as a rising junior with two years left, addressing special teams stability after a strong 2025 season (15-of-17 field goals, including a 53-yarder, and perfect on extra points); the in-state product offers reliability for field goals and kickoffs following Notre Dame's kicking struggles. Tionne Gray (DT, Oregon) sealed a massive interior reinforcement as a rising junior with three years of eligibility, the 6-6, 336-pound former high-upside recruit (No. 3 DL in portal rankings) providing nose tackle presence and run-stopping power after 18 tackles and a blocked kick in 2025. Francis Brewu (DT, Pitt*) joined as a rising sophomore with two years of eligibility, the explosive 6-2, 280-pound interior lineman reuniting with defensive line coach Charlie Partridge after earning Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2025 (36 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 sack, 2 QB hurries); his quick first step and strength against the run make him an immediate rotational piece with starter potential on the interior. These prospects, combined with the initial four, strengthen depth and talent as the portal window nears its close. Outlook These departures and additions reflect the competitive nature of roster management in modern college football, with several young players seeking immediate playing time and the program simultaneously looking for instant-impact talent. Notre Dame's defense, in particular, takes a hit in the secondary and along the line, but the program's strong recruiting classes and potential portal additions could fill the gaps quickly. Freeman has emphasized building through high school talent while selectively using the portal, and with the window still open, expect the Irish to make moves on both sides. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @rubenkelly_y  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

The waiting game has paid off for Notre Dame again, this time as they land a commitment from Oregon transfer DL Tionne Gray. Gray entered the portal on January 11, two days after the Ducks fell to Indiana at the Peach Bowl. The 6-6, 336-pound tackle ranks as the #3 DL and #17 overall transfer, according to 247 Sports.  The former Duck visited South Bend on January 15, his first trip since entering the portal, and committed to Notre Dame with three years of eligibility amidst reported interest from his home state Missouri and others. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! As a recruit coming out of Hazelwood Central in St. Louis, Gray was rated as a three-star DL in the class of 2024 (247). Ironically, National Recruiting Analyst Allen Trieu had former Notre Dame first-round pick Jerry Tillery as his player comparison. While also playing some OL, Gray tallied 20 tackles and four sacks as a senior. The two-way star originally committed to Missouri, but later flipped his commitment and signed with Oregon. In his first season at Oregon in 2024, Gray recorded one tackle in four games played, thus receiving a redshirt. This season, the DL recorded 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, and a blocked kick in 13 games played, including three starts. Gray was featured in a deep, talented rotation of interior linemen with the Ducks, including A’Mauri Washington, Bear Alexander, and Terrance Green. He tallied a season-high five tackles in a dominant victory at Rutgers. Gray made his presence felt in the CFP with two tackles and blocked a field goal against JMU in the Ducks’ first-round win, and also tallied a TFL in the semifinal loss to Indiana. Notre Dame entered the portal needing to secure at least two DTs, and landing the #3 and #7 transfer DL certainly addresses that issue. Gray is young and still has some development ahead of him with great potential. He could compete for a starting spot, but regardless, he should be heavily featured in a solid-looking interior DL group consisting of Francis Brewu, Armel Mukam, Elijah Hughes, Christopher Burgess, and Cole Mullins. Despite his size, Gray is quick, athletic, and flexible. He fills a massive hole in the Irish defense as a true run-stopper, something they were missing last season. Gray recorded six stops with one missed tackle against the rush this year. He did not flash as much against the pass with just one recorded pressure across 99 pass rush attempts. However, as stated earlier, his young age mixed with great potential could allow him to develop into an all-around threat. For reference, in terms of sheer physical size, Gray is among the largest Notre Dame football players since Quenton Nelson in the last decade; Gray is listed on Oregon's 2025 roster as one inch taller and six pounds heavier than Nelson’s senior season. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle How would you rate Notre Dame’s transfer class? Comment below. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!