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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. 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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!

Photo by The Irish Tribune Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman addressed the media on Wednesday in his first press conference in six weeks. At the start of the press conference, Freeman released a statement on the recent allegations that were brought against him earlier this week. First reported by the South Bend Tribune on Sunday , a police report was filed alleging battery against a local high school wrestling coach at a local wrestling tournament. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office said earlier this week that Freeman will not face any charges after review of security footage and witness statements. In Freeman's statement, he thanked local authorities for their investigation, the University of Notre Dame for its support of him throughout this situation, and various journalists for "not rushing to report without having all the facts and information." Here is Marcus Freeman's full statement: “First of all, I want to thank Notre Dame for their support and immediate response to this matter. I'm grateful for the trust and defense of me, even before the video evidence was released. I also want to thank [the] Penn High School Administration, the community, and countless others who have reached out to me and my family. I want to commend the journalists who handled their reporting with integrity. I know many of you in this room were aware of the situation, as it was unfolding and I appreciate your patience, and not rushing to report without having all the facts and information. It is also important to me to express my extreme disappointment with one particular local media outlet and a reporter who I believe chose to do the opposite. Had they handled themselves more professionally, and waited for more facts to become available, this would not have become a sensationalized story making national headlines. Because they chose not to do so, my family and I have been dragged through the mud unnecessarily with clickbait headlines. The reality is, I behaved in a respectful and professional manner, while protecting my family, and that should have been the only headline. Journalistic integrity should matter, of holding ethical principles and news reporting, with accuracy and fairness, should matter. I know I'm a public figure and I understand the scrutiny that comes with that, that scrutiny should not extend to my children or any other child of a public figure. Lastly, I want to thank the Mishawaka Police Department and St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office for their efforts in this matter. They examined all the evidence, including video footage and witness statements, and concluded that no criminal battery took place, and that no charges should be filed. I was confident in this outcome because I know I did not intentionally touch anyone in a rude, angry, or disrespectful way. I'm glad this matter has been thoroughly reviewed and resolved. Out of respect for everyone involved, I won't comment further, and we'll move forward with my family and team.” -- Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame Head Football Coach You can watch Marcus Freeman's full press conference and listen to his statement 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 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!

Former Ohio State WR Mylan Graham has announced his decision to transfer to Notre Dame. The 6-1, 195-pound wideout is rated as the #39 WR and #142 overall transfer, according to 247 Sports. Graham joins the Fighting Irish following his January 7-8th visit to South Bend. Graham entered the transfer portal on January 5th, with the departure of OSU WR Coach Brian Hartline to USF, and playing time likely a factor in his decision. Immediately following his Notre Dame trip, he visited Auburn on the 8th. Ole Miss and Louisville were also original players in Graham’s transfer portal recruitment, but it boiled down to a return to Columbus or becoming a part of the Fighting Irish, according to Steve Wiltfong. The young WR comes to Notre Dame with three years of eligibility remaining. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Like most Ohio State WR recruits, Graham was an elite high school talent. The Indiana native attended New Haven High School, where he was rated as the #12 WR and #1 player in Indiana in the class of 2024 (247 Sports). The Irish targeted Graham early in his recruitment, as they were his third official offer at the time. Unfortunately, Notre Dame failed to gain any real momentum in his recruitment as he committed to OSU over Alabama, Florida, Penn State, and others.  Graham redshirted in 2024, appearing in four games with no recorded stats. This season, he received some opportunities, hauling in six catches for 93 yards in 12 games played. Notably, he was only on the field for 10-plus snaps in just six games. Graham did see ample playing time against UCLA when he finished with three catches for 40 yards, both season-highs.  Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle So, how does the former top in-state talent fit at Notre Dame? Well, the Irish staff have made it clear that obtaining WRs was a goal this transfer cycle, following the losses of Malachi Fields and Will Pauling, by securing two former Buckeye receivers this cycle. Graham is set to become another member of Notre Dame’s young but talented WR core, including the likes of Quincy Porter, Micah Gilbert, Elijah Burress, Cam Williams, and Jerome Bettis Jr. This core, with QB CJ Carr at the helm, could develop into something special. At Ohio State, Graham displayed some versatility working out of the slot, but he seems to prefer the boundary role. In the limited action, he showed solid hands with just one drop across 12 targets. His best attributes might be his quickness and twitchiness, which lead to some nice YAC. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch and 7.5 YAC per reception this year at OSU. Since arriving at OSU, Graham has added about 25 pounds to his frame, and this should continue to be a central point of development in South Bend. 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!

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

“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.