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“Better late than never.” At one point in time, Keon Keeley represented Marcus Freeman’s biggest recruiting win. After spending three seasons at Alabama, the former five-star edge rusher has again been won over by Freeman and Notre Dame, this time as a top-rated transfer. Keeley entered the transfer portal on January 4th, rated as the #7 edge and #51 overall prospect (247 Sports). Following a January 7th visit to South Bend, the 6-5 and 282-pounder transferred to Notre Dame with two years of eligibility.  Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Coming out of Berkeley Prep in Tampa as the #3 overall recruit in the class of 2023, Keeley committed to Notre Dame early in his process in the summer of ‘21. 14 months later, the highly-touted defender decommitted from the Irish and reopened his recruitment before officially committing and signing with Alabama in December of 2022. Ohio State and Florida were other major players in his high school recruitment. Keeley redshirted and did not play in the 2023 season at Alabama. In 2024, the Crimson Tide switched the OLB to DL while he recorded three tackles in six games played. This season, Keeley tallied 16 tackles, three sacks, one PBU, and a blocked punt in 13 games played as a key rotational piece. His best performance of the year came at a good moment, in the team’s first round CFP game at Oklahoma, where he notched a season-high four tackles, one sack, and a PBU in the road win over the Sooners.  So how does the top-rated transfer fit at Notre Dame? This past year, Keeley did a lot of rotating on the interior and off the edge for the Tide’s defense. The addition of Keeley provides the Fighting Irish with more versatility up front. Bryce Young could be utilized on the interior more, as he appears much more comfortable there compared to Keeley, thus filling a current need. Notre Dame will still need to add a true run-stuffing DT and possibly some depth pieces to sew this unit together. However, an edge combination of Keeley and Boubacar Traore should cause massive headaches for next season’s opposing offenses. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle I believe Keeley still has some untapped potential in his game, and this move to Notre Dame with recently hired DL Coach Charlie Partridge should unearth that. On just 100 pass rush attempts last season, he recorded nine pressures, including two QB hits. Keeley has not shown to be much of a factor against the run, recording two stops while facing 62 rush attempts last year. Perhaps an increased volume would change this, but he definitely poses more of a pass-rushing threat. Positively, the former Crimson Tide defender is a pretty clean tackler, with just two missed tackles coming against the run in week two, his only blemishes. Who will Notre Dame bring home next? 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!

In a major coup for Notre Dame's wide receiver room, former Ohio State five-star transfer Quincy Porter  has committed to the Fighting Irish on January 12th, 2026, per ON3. The 6-4, 210-pound rising sophomore, originally the No. 23 overall prospect and No. 4 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class (per 247Sports Composite), entered the transfer portal earlier this week after a limited freshman season in Columbus. Porter appeared in just four games for the Buckeyes in 2025, catching 4 passes for 59 yards  amid a crowded receiver depth chart and a late-season injury that sidelined him for several contests. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! A New Jersey native from Bergen Catholic High School, Porter was a high-priority target for Notre Dame during his initial recruitment. He even visited South Bend and received strong interest from the staff before ultimately choosing Ohio State. The Irish now get a coveted second chance, providing immediate upside with four years of eligibility remaining . Porter's elite size, length, speed, and catch radius make him a prototypical outside X-receiver with high-end NFL potential, and would be the perfect replacement for Malachi Fields. Scouts have long praised his ability to win contested catches, stretch the field vertically, and create mismatches, traits that could instantly elevate Notre Dame's passing attack under Marcus Freeman. With the Irish needing playmakers at the position amid portal misses and roster needs, landing a former consensus top-30 national talent addresses a glaring area of concern. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle This commitment comes amid fierce competition from schools like Michigan, Washington, Miami, Tennessee, and others, but Notre Dame's prior relationship, academic appeal, and pitch for early opportunities sealed the deal. Porter's addition pairs perfectly with returning talents and incoming recruits, giving the Irish a dynamic, big-bodied weapon primed for a breakout 2026. 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!

In a timely boost to their defensive backfield, Notre Dame has landed Colorado transfer cornerback DJ McKinney , who officially committed to the Fighting Irish on January 12, 2026. The Irish have officially gotten their first commitment out of the Transfer Portal. The 6-2, 190-pound McKinney, a former three-star high school prospect out of Colleyville Heritage (TX), brings valuable Power conference experience after stops at Oklahoma State and Colorado. In two seasons with the Buffaloes, he tallied 95 tackles , 4 tackles for loss , 4 interceptions , and 13 pass breakups  (including three INTs in 2024), showcasing his ball skills and physicality on the outside. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! McKinney entered the transfer portal earlier this month and was ranked as the No. 27 defensive back and No. 307 overall prospect in the 247 Sports Transfer Portal Rankings. Deion Sanders previously praised him highly, noting his length, speed, and competitiveness, while calling him a potential high NFL draft pick, overshadowed by bigger names like Travis Hunter. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle For Notre Dame, this addition addresses depth needs in the secondary amid ongoing roster turnover. McKinney's size, production against the pass, and experience make him a plug-and-play option capable of contributing immediately under the Irish staff. This would mark the fourth year in a row that the Irish have taken a transfer nickel (Thomas Harper, Jordan Clark, DeVonta Smith) with one year of eligibility remaining. 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!

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 played in all 12 games in 2025, was poised for a larger role but entered the portal on January 1 seeking opportunities elsewhere with two years of eligibility remaining. As with any portal entry, players retain the option to withdraw and return to their original school before finalizing a new commitment, which has surfaced as a possibility for Mukam.

With the College Football Playoff snub and a slow-moving transfer portal operation, there are plenty of items on Notre Dame fans' New Year's Resolutions. Photo by Tyler Wong It has been a very emotional month in the Notre Dame football program with a CFP snub, Marcus Freeman's dangling interest in the NFL, and a quiet transfer portal acquisition period. Outside of Freeman's short, but sweet tweet, not many things have gone in the Irish's way since the fateful Selection Sunday. However, in theory, a New Year turns a new leaf, yet Notre Dame hasn't added a single player in the transfer portal, while seeing 19 players leave the program through the portal. While the Fighting Irish have always said they want to major in high school recruiting while minoring in the portal, right now the Irish have an incomplete on their transcript. It isn't for a lack of trying on general manager Mike Martin's efforts as the Irish have had many prospects visit campus, yet they haven't gotten a pledge yet. Notre Dame will surely cash in, and fans simply have to be patient. As agonizing as that may seem, especially when programs such as Indiana and Texas Tech are spending ludicrous amounts of money, the time will come for the Irish. Until then, and to distract people from the lack of acquisitions in the portal, I've devised a football-centric New Year's Resolution list for the 2026 season. Back-to-Back Heisman Finalists Last season, Jeremiyah Love was the most entertaining player in college football. With his combination of size, speed, and his ability to catch and block out of the backfield, Love was named last year's Golden Domer of the Year. While Love made the decision to forego his senior season and enter his name in the NFL draft, the Irish offense could have an entirely new identity next season highlighting standout quarterback CJ Carr. Carr will be the first returning starter Freeman has had in his tenure at Notre Dame, and he is looking to build off his strong redshirt freshman season. Last year, Carr finished with 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. While the receiving corps for next season is still incomplete, Carr is returning his leading receiver in Jordan Faison, along with 2024 playoff-standout Jaden Greathouse looking to get back into the mix for the Irish. Mike Denbrock's offense will have to evolve, and its evolution is centered around one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation. Carr will look to be Notre Dame's first 3,000+ passing yards quarterback since Jack Coan in 2021. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Attempting to Replace Love and Price Speaking of Jeremiyah Love, he will be impossible to replace. If Jadarian Price stayed for one more season, that would've certainly been an easier transition, yet Price will be joining Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a statistical sense, with Love and Price gone, Notre Dame has to replace 312 carries, 2,046 rushing yards, and 36 total touchdowns. Luckily the Irish have some experience coming back as Aneyas Williams projects to be Notre Dame's top running back followed by Nolan James. Kedren Young is an interesting player to watch as he is recovering from a torn ACL during fall camp a year ago. Young was a touchdown scorer against Navy in 2024 and presents a more bruising running back that can run between the tackles. While no one can match the electric ability of Love or Price, the Irish are also getting two solid options from the 2026 high school recruiting class. Jonaz Walton and Javion Osbourne are both names to watch to make an impact during their freshman years. Running the Regular Season Table Last year, Notre Dame put their fate in the hands of the committee, which ultimately led to them being the first team on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff. While that may be flawed, Notre Dame couldn't afford to lose two games last season and leave their national championship chances in the hands of, according to Notre Dame professor Jeff Speaks, incompetent and corrupt officials. If you were to look at next season's schedule, there are no massive roadblocks that can mirror the first two games of last season's schedule. To put it lightly, it is not strong at all, and if Notre Dame couldn't make the CFP with two losses to two CFP teams by a combined four points, then the Irish can never make the playoff with two losses on their schedule. The good news about that is that next season, the Irish would have no realistic chance to win a national championship if they lost two games next year. While the addition of BYU is nice, because of the fact Notre Dame is replacing a lackluster USC team that is scared to add a yearly loss to their schedule, the ACC is just so weak. The Miami game will be one to definitely circle on the calendar, but outside of that matchup against the Hurricanes, there isn't much that scares you if you are Notre Dame. Yes, Marcus Freeman has had three embarrassing losses to significantly lesser opponents during his tenure, but the reality of the situation is that Notre Dame can likely go 12-0 next season. 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!

Photo by New Mexico State Athletics At 11:46 a.m. EST on Thursday, former New Mexico State DL Ezra Christensen announced on X that he had received an offer from Notre Dame. Christensen is ranked as the No. 25 defensive lineman in the Transfer Portal by 247Sports and checks in at No. 338 overall. Christensen put together a dominant 2025 season, recording 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble for the Aggies. He earned First Team All-Conference USA honors, was named a First Team Defensive All-American by PFSN, where only two Group of Five players were selected, and also landed on the HERO Sports Group of Five All-American team. Since entering the portal, Christensen has picked up a long list of Power Four offers, including Duke, Colorado, Kentucky, James Madison, Minnesota, Washington, Virginia, Wisconsin, Auburn, and Iowa State. The highly sought-after transfer is expected to continue drawing interest from programs at the P4 level. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle On tape, Christensen consistently disrupts opposing offensive lines with a blend of quick hands and raw power, often flashing a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” burst from the 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive lineman. He moved to San Diego for his sophomore year of high school, where he began playing football, and later earned Palomar League Player of the Year honors during his senior season after leading the league with 15 sacks. Christensen began his college career at San Diego Mesa College in 2022 before transferring to Fresno State for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He is expected to have two years of eligibility remaining at his next stop. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! From a Notre Dame perspective, Christensen’s profile aligns well with the program’s recent emphasis on versatile, high-motor defensive linemen who can contribute immediately while still offering developmental upside. His ability to generate interior pressure with quick hands and leverage would complement Notre Dame’s existing defensive front, particularly in sub-package situations where pass-rush efficiency is prioritized over size alone. With proven Group of Five production and Power Four interest, Christensen represents a low-risk, high-upside portal target, one capable of providing rotational depth early while pushing for a larger role as he acclimates to the Irish defensive system. 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!

After a bit of a slow start in the transfer portal, Notre Dame is still in the running for some top portal targets, but they will still need to find a boundary wide receiver after the commitments of Nick Marsh and Ian Strong. Xavier Gilliam - Penn State Defensive Tackle Coming into this portal window, the defensive line is the biggest need that needs to be addressed. With graduates and players lost to the portal, Notre Dame's defensive line from the 2025 season is mostly gone, especially in the interior. That is why Gilliam would be a massive get for Marcus Freeman and the Irish defense. Rated as the fifth-best defensive tackle in the portal, according to On3, Gilliam would likely compete for a starting role going into the 2026 season. As just a redshirt freshman, Gilliam played in 11 games where he recorded 16 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. Gilliam is still in the infancy of his college career and appears to have a lot of untapped potential. He is an explosive athlete in the interior. Combine that with being just over 300 lbs., Gilliam could become a force on the defensive line. Notre Dame's new defensive line coach, Charlie Partridge, is known for developing talent, which seems like a perfect fit for a young player like Gilliam. He took his official visit to Notre Dame on Tuesday, so a decision on Gilliam's future could be made soon, as Notre Dame is looking to land their first transfer in 2026. Xavier Townsend - Iowa State Wide Receiver Notre Dame has had a rough go of it landing a wide receiver in the portal, thus far. They first missed on Nick Marsh, who committed to Indiana. Then, they lost a battle to Cal for Rutgers standout Ian Strong. Now, Notre Dame pivots to Townsend. Townsend was on campus earlier this week but is getting courted by other programs like Florida State. Unlike Marsh and Strong, Townsend does not have the unique size Notre Dame appears to be looking for in the portal. Although lacking size, Townsend has shown the ability to make plays with his speed and shiftiness. He would be a great depth piece to add to the wide receiver room, especially since KK Smith has recently entered the portal. Whether Townsend decides to join the Irish or not, do not be surprised if Notre Dame continues to search for that boundary receiver that has been so elusive to obtain in this year's portal. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Keon Keeley - Alabama Defensive End Many Irish fans will be familiar with the name Keon Keeley, as he was once a 5-star Notre Dame commit before flipping to Alabama. Keeley is now back on the market, and it appears Marcus Freeman will try once again to bring Keeley to South Bend. With a visit scheduled for Wednesday, Keeley is now a premier target to help revamp their defensive line. Although his time at Alabama has been quiet, Keeley possesses all the physical traits necessary to become a star in college football. During his last season at Alabama, Keeley played in every game but only totaled 16 tackles and three sacks on limited snaps. While it is clear Keeley is athletic, explosive, and a powerful athlete, the next step will be turning those traits into production. John Henry Daley - Utah Defensive End Also visiting Notre Dame this week, Daley would be another talented and productive option for this Notre Dame defensive line. In his first season of real playing time, Daley instantly became one of the most effective pass rushers in the entire country before going down with an Achilles injury. While healthy, Daley recorded 11.5 sacks, 48 tackles, and two forced fumbles. Those kinds of stats would immediately make him one of the most productive players on the Notre Dame defense. Daley's stats also make him, in a way, the safest option in the portal. Many of Notre Dame's other targets are talented but have yet to put it all together on the field. On the other hand, Daley is coming off a concerning late-season Achilles rupture that could put much of the season in jeopardy. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Francis Brewu - Pitt Defensive Tackle Sticking to the trend of defensive linemen, Brewu is yet another option at defensive tackle that Notre Dame has set their eyes on. With a visit to South Bend coming up and a strong connection to defensive line coach Partridge, it appears that Notre Dame is in good position to land Brewu, but there are a lot of teams looking to land the talented young defensive tackle. As a sophomore, Brewu was a very impactful part of a defense that ranked amongst the best in stopping the run. Due to his size and physical nature, Brewu was rarely pushed off the line of scrimmage, blocked running lanes, and tackled the ball carrier. Last season, Brewu totaled 36 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. With Brewu just scratching the surface, he could be an excellent piece to the Irish defense in 2026 and years to come. As a smaller note but worth keeping an eye on, Ohio State 5-star freshman wide receiver Quincy Porter has entered the portal. Porter was once a target for Notre Dame during his high school recruitment and could potentially be one once again. Porter fits exactly what Notre Dame is looking for at wide receiver in the portal. At 6'4, he is the perfect size to play as a boundary wide receiver and still has plenty of time to continue his growth as a former 5-star recruit. As of now, it has not been reported if he will take a visit, but that could change quickly, as the portal moves fast. 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!

Notre Dame is set to hire Colts Defensive Line Coach Charlie Partridge for the same position. Photo by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The Irish moved quickly to fill the opening following the announcement that Al Washington will shift from defensive line coach to linebackers coach beginning in 2026. The move comes after Max Bullough departed Notre Dame to become the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator at Michigan State, his alma mater. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Partridge joins Notre Dame with nearly 30 years of college coaching experience, including stops at Wisconsin and Pittsburgh, as well as a three-year stint as the head coach at Florida Atlantic. Prior to joining the staff in Indianapolis, he spent seven seasons on Pat Narduzzi’s staff at Pitt, where he played a key role in the program’s defensive development. Earlier in his career, Partridge served as Wisconsin’s co-defensive coordinator alongside Chris Ash from 2011-12, before the pair joined Arkansas’s staff in 2013 in similar defensive leadership roles. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Throughout his career, Partridge has worked with elite defensive talent, including coaching J.J. Watt at Wisconsin, Trey Flowers at Arkansas, and Calijah Kancey during his time at Pitt. 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!

With the transfer portal officially open, and with the droves of student-athletes that had already announced their intent to enter, the portal should be as chaotic as ever. With holes still left in the upcoming Notre Dame roster, who are some potential targets for Marcus Freeman and his staff? Photo by Michigan State Athletics Nick Marsh - Michigan State Wide Receiver Nick Marsh would be a huge addition and an impactful player for a team looking to compete for a National Championship in 2026. It has been reported that both Notre Dame and LSU are heavily pursuing Marsh, with Indiana also in the mix. Marsh is a game-changer on the outside and would immediately replace Malachi Fields as the big, physical, and athletic playmaker. Standing at 6'3" and 200 lbs, Marsh excels at making tough, contested catches downfield, but he also combines that size with excellent speed that he uses to outrun defenders and get behind the entire defense for big plays. During his two years at MSU, Marsh totaled 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns, producing over 600 yards in each season. Marsh is regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the portal and is clearly someone Notre Dame is pursuing. Notre Dame appears to be lacking that physical target on the outside going into the 2026 season. It was obvious how much CJ Carr enjoyed having the ability to throw the ball to Fields. Marsh could easily turn into that target for Carr in 2026 if Freeman can sell him on Notre Dame. Reed Harris - Boston College Wide Receiver If Notre Dame is unable to land Marsh, Reed Harris could be another great option they could pivot to in order to bolster the wide receiver room in 2026. Harris, like Marsh and Fields from a year ago, is a huge wide receiver who thrives on the outside. Harris is 6'5" and 217 lbs, which gives him a huge advantage against his defenders and would be a dangerous weapon for Carr to use. Last season, Harris was at his best, logging 673 yards and five touchdowns. These big, physical wide receivers seem to be a common target for Notre Dame in the portal. The Irish have plenty of talented wide receivers, but they lack size, and Harris has plenty of that. Although he is probably not as talented as Marsh, Harris would be a great fit in this offense and would seamlessly be able to come in and fill a needed role. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Mateen Ibirogba - Wake Forest Defensive Tackle Notre Dame's interior defensive line is in need of incoming talent this offseason. This group has lost a significant number of players since the season concluded, many of whom were key contributors in 2025. With all of these departures, Notre Dame will most likely be looking to bring in some experience and depth to the interior to ensure its defense is ready in 2026. Ibirogba checks all of those boxes and would be one of the biggest acquisitions of the portal cycle, as he sits at No. 15 on On3's portal rankings. Not only would that mean Notre Dame is getting a great player to come in and start right away, but they would be getting that player in a spot where they desperately need reinforcements. Originally a pass-rusher, Ibirogba has an elite first step and burst off the line. Although much bigger than he was as a pass-rusher, he still retains all of his explosiveness and speed, making him dangerous in the interior. For Ibirogba, consistency at defensive tackle is where he can see the most growth, but it is clear that he has all the athleticism needed to be an impact player for the Irish in 2026. Jontez Williams - Iowa State CB Notre Dame is no stranger to targeting defensive back help in the portal, and Jontez Williams will be no different. The Irish had previously enlisted the likes of DeVonta Smith from Alabama and Jordan Clark from Arizona State to play in the slot for the Fighting Irish over the past two seasons. And with depth like Karson Hobbs now in the transfer portal, nickel is once again a position of need. In his time at Iowa State, Williams totalled 67 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and five interceptions through three seasons. His sticky coverage skills would be another welcome addition to the revolving door that has been the nickel position for the Fighting Irish. Currently, Williams is scheduled to visit Notre Dame on January 5th. Williams will also take visits to USC and Florida. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Ian Geffrard - Arkansas Defensive Tackle For years now, Notre Dame defensive tackles have always leaned on the lighter side of things, favoring speed over size and power. Geffrard would definitely be a change of pace. Geffrard is an astounding 6'6" and 370 lbs. At that size, he would be a huge force in the middle to disrupt the running game and establish a level of physicality on the defensive line that would help Notre Dame's defense remain one of the best in the country. With his size, Geffrard eats up a lot of space, allowing Notre Dame's elite linebackers and pass-rushers to shoot the gaps and get free lanes to the running back and quarterback. He may not be exactly what Notre Dame is looking for in the portal, but he is one of the top defensive tackles in the portal, so far, which means there is a chance he will be someone the staff looks at. It is still early in the transfer portal season, as many more players will still likely enter once every team's season concludes. There will be a lot more twist and turns before it becomes clear what Notre Dame's roster will look like heading into spring camp. The names listed are just a few of the many players Notre Dame are or is likely to pursue this cycle. There are other positions Notre Dame will most likely look to add in the portal like kicker, running back, backup QB, and a few others. 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!

Notre Dame's gravity-defying Heisman finalist running back is The Irish Tribune's 2025 Golden Domer of the Year. Art by The Irish Tribune Jeremiyah Love is unique, not only because of his blend of speed, size, vision, and toughness from the running back position, but also because of his mindset on and off the field. In the midst of a Heisman-caliber season, Love would rarely gloat in his personal accomplishments, but rather celebrate his teammates surrounding him and ultimately, the success of Notre Dame. Marcus Freeman is a man of many mantras, ranging from "Choose Hard" to "Delayed Gratification," yet the one that spoke the most through a reserved, mild-mannered Love was "Team Glory," a trait that helped the Irish go 24-4 during Love's time as the University's starting running back. And now, with Love's playing days over in South Bend, the talent from St. Louis, Mo. will be a surefire first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This past season, Love rushed his way to New York, posting 1,372 yards, 21 total touchdowns, and 6.9 yards per carry. Even with Love's accomplishments this season, he too had to wait his turn before making major waves for the Fighting Irish. Despite being a top-ranked recruit, Love watched, waited, and learned behind now Saints running back Audric Estime, yet, as Estime departed for the NFL, Love's intangibles were too electric to keep off the field. Love's signature traits include the following: Speed Electrifying runs leaving defenders in the dust were one of Love's most used attributes. As big of a home run hitter as any back in the nation, Love had six 45+ yard rushes this season, with the longest being a 94-yard house call against Boston College, during which he yelled at his own sideline. Before the play, running backs coach Ja'Juan Seider was poking at Love saying he couldn't go for 90+ yards, yet, as Jeremiyah Love did multiple times during his Notre Dame career, he made a jaw-dropping play. This is a perfect example showing the true competitor that is, Jeremiyah Love. Video courtesy of Notre Dame Long touchdown runs have now been etched as normal activities in Notre Dame fans' eyes because of Love's ability to break one loose. This, along with his efficiency to hit the big play, resulted in a season total of 6.9 yards per carry. This was on full display against the Syracuse Orange this season as Love had 8 carries for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Balance and Vision The reason Jeremiyah Love was able to break loose so many runs was because of his speed and his ability to re ad defenses. Love 's vi sion near the line of scrimmage was second to none and his innate feeling of knowing when to bounce runs to the outside seemed second nature. There were a handful of plays this season that seemed to be losses or minimal gains, and Jeremiyah Love would turn them into drive-extending plays. Take this play against Navy, for example: it's 3rd and long with the Irish needing to convert to get points before the half: Video courtesy of NBC Love gets hit just beyond the line of scrimmage, then makes an acrobatic spin move that became a new signature move for him this season, to find the open space and erupt for 16 yards. The Irish would later score a touchdown on that drive. Speaking of the spin-move, its crowning moment was during Notre Dame's matchup against a ranked Pitt team that was hosting College Gameday. There was a lot of buzz and excitement surrounding a potential Panthers' upset, yet Love's signature spin put Irish fans at ease. Video courtesy of Notre Dame Love even used the spin while being on top of other players, like he did against Navy for one of his Heisman signature plays. Video courtesy of Notre Dame Do it All The aspect of Jeremiyah Love's game that made him so appreciated was his ability to do the dirty work. Love was able to be an effective blocker in pass protection, smart with the ball, and also a reliable receiving option. While winning the 2024 Golden Domer of the Year, this was the part of Love's game that improved the most over the calendar year. The most impressive feat of Love's Notre Dame career is that he never fum bled the ball. Especially at the next level, ball security is job security, and Jeremiyah Love never coughed up the ball at the college level. In terms of catching the ball out of the backfield, Love hauled in 27 pass es for 280 yards this season. There was arguably no better display of this than his one-handed catch against Texas A&M. Video courtesy of Notre Dame All You Need is Love Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games, an adage that reigns true for nearly all of the best athletes in the game. With Notre Dame's season on the line against their biggest rival, the USC Trojans, Jeremiyah Love put together the best performance of his career. Love was an unstoppable force that night against the Trojans, rushing for 228 yards, 37 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Love's tenacity was on full display, as he ran through instead of hurdling over USC defenders, and simply trusted his eyes and hit the gaps with explosiveness. Video courtesy of Notre Dame While it's disappointing to think that Jeremiyah Love's time with Notre Dame has come to an end, it is impossible to forget the memories he has made along the way. This award and celebration are ultimately a shrine to his accomplishments, a collection that doesn't even include his memorable moments during the 2024 season and run to the national championship game. Jeremiyah Love's impact on the University of Notre Dame is unquantifiable as he has inspired millions across the country and showed what it means to be an elite player to wear the golden helmet. With that being said, the Irish's first Heisman finalist in 13 years is also the first ever repeat winner of The Irish Tribune's Golden Domer of the Year! Art by The Irish Tribune 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. 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Photo via Notre Dame Athletics The 18th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-2; 1-0) hosted the Pitt Panthers (7-7; 0-1) on Monday evening following a week-long break due to the holidays. With refreshed bodies and legs, the Irish were able to handle Pitt 94-59. Notre Dame’s trio of Hannah Hidalgo, Iyana Moore, and Cassandre Prosper outscored Pitt by themselves with a combined 71 points. Hidalgo led the way offensively with another 30-point outing when her three-point shot was not falling. Prosper forced eight Pitt turnovers as she clamped the Panthers on the perimeter and down low, all while contributing 18 points on an efficient shooting night. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! The Irish started the game on a 12-3 run with Moore nailing two three-pointers to put the home team out front early. Malaya Cowles and Moore combined for 10 of the Irish’s first 12 points. Pitt was able to respond and made it a 14-10 contest with 4:00 on the clock. Notre Dame then put together an 11-2 run that was capped with a three-pointer from Kelly Ratigan that put the Irish ahead 25-12 with 1:23 remaining in the quarter. Pitt finished off the final minute-plus on a 5-2 stretch, leaving Notre Dame with a 27-17 lead after one quarter. Notre Dame opened up the second on a 9-2 run, featuring six points on three buckets from Prosper, forcing a Pitt timeout after the Irish extended their lead to 36-19 just about four minutes into the frame. The Panthers were able to go on a 6-0 run following the quick break, forcing a Notre Dame timeout with their lead trimmed back down to 11. The Irish responded well to the timeout and closed out the final 4:26 on a 15-4 stretch, including nine points from Hidalgo. Pitt was able to tip in a buzzer-beater to close the half. The Irish entered the half with a decisive 51-29 advantage. Hidalgo and Moore lit up the scoring column in the first twenty minutes, outscoring Pitt by themselves with 31 combined points. Hidalgo was all over the place, finishing with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals with just one turnover while playing the entire half. The Irish played clean with just one foul called against them in the first, leading to no free throw attempts for the Panthers. It was pure domination as they forced 11 turnovers on defense and shot 51% from the field, including 47% from deep. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle The first half of the third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with Notre Dame maintaining a 57-34 lead at the 5:00 media timeout. Pitt’s Mikayla Johnson opened the third on a heater, scoring the first eight Panthers points. After Johnson converted an and-one opportunity that cut the Irish lead to 20, Notre Dame answered with a 6-0 run that extended their lead to 63-37 with 3:17 on the clock. The remainder of the quarter was a glorified free-throw contest highlighted by multiple fouls and sloppy turnovers from both teams. Pitt converted a pair of free throws with five seconds remaining to make it a 72-49 game heading into the final quarter. Notre Dame jumped out to a 10-2 run in the first two minutes of the fourth with Prosper nailing two big-time threes that forced an early Pitt timeout with the Irish up 82-51. Out of the break, Moore hit her fifth three-pointer of the night to extend the Irish lead to 34. Moore and Cowles took care of the final seven minutes, scoring all of the Irish’s points during this span that featured some good back-and-forth between the two squads. Notre Dame’s 94-59 victory extends its win streak to five as ACC play officially ramps up. Similar to the first half, the Irish were able to capitalize on Pitt’s turnovers and shut down the Panthers offensively. Pitt shot 0-5 from deep in the second half and turned the ball over 13 times as Notre Dame’s smothering play was too much for the road team. Irish Stars of the Game: Hannah Hidalgo - 30 points (13-23 FGs), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals (passed Niele Ivey for 2nd-most in program history), +34, 36 minutes Iyana Moore - 23 points (7-13 FGs, 5-9 3FGs), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, +34, 39 minutes Cassandre Prosper - 18 points (2-3 3FGs), 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 4 steals, +36, 39 minutes Malaya Cowles - 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, +20, 31 minutes  Key Team Stats: Field Goal Percentage - ND (49%) - Pitt (34%) Three Point Percentage - ND (42%) - Pitt (27%) Turnovers - Pitt (24) - ND (10) Up next, the 18th-ranked Irish (10-2; 2-0) travel to Atlanta for an afternoon New Year’s Day tilt with Georgia Tech. 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!