Image Source: Trevor Trowbridge
Key Takeaways
- Notre Dame’s performance in the transfer portal has been underwhelming, with several key targets slipping away
- The team’s roster is not in a desperate state, with many returning players and a strong recruiting class
- The Irish don’t need to match the pace of other teams, such as Indiana, in the transfer portal
- Defensive tackle is the top priority for Notre Dame in the portal, followed by wide receiver, kicker, nickel corner, and quarterback depth
- The team is still in play for several key players in the portal and has a chance to fill its needs
Introduction to the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has been a topic of discussion for Notre Dame fans, with many expressing disappointment and frustration with the team’s performance. As one writer noted, "I’d be lying if I said the transfer portal was off to an ideal start for Notre Dame." With over half of the portal window gone, there are still several needs that need to be filled. However, it’s essential to take a step back and evaluate the current state of the roster. As the writer pointed out, "Notre Dame has not done what they’ve needed to in the transfer portal and have dropped the ball on some key targets."
Comparing Notre Dame to Other Teams
One of the main criticisms of Notre Dame’s performance in the transfer portal is the comparison to other teams, such as Indiana. The Hoosiers have been active in the portal, while the Irish have been relatively quiet. However, as the writer noted, "the Hoosier’s roster is in a much different spot than the roster in South Bend." Indiana signed the No. 24 recruiting class in the country, while Notre Dame signed the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class. This difference in roster composition means that the Irish don’t need to match the Hoosiers’ pace in the portal. As the writer said, "The Irish just signed the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class in the country. Indiana signed the No. 24 recruiting class in the country."
Assessing the Roster
Notre Dame’s roster is not in a desperate state, with many returning players, including CJ Carr, Leonard Moore, Adon Shuler, Christian Gray, Boubacar Traore, Jordan Faison, Jaden Greathouse, and Bryce Young. The team lost only two or three players to the portal who were expected to contribute in the 2025 season. As the writer pointed out, "out of the 15 scholarship portal exits, they lost two, arguably three, players to the portal that were expected to contribute in the 2025 season." These players left to be "the guy" at their new schools, which is a reality that Notre Dame fans need to accept.
Needs in the Transfer Portal
Coming into the portal window, Notre Dame’s needs were clear. The team needed to fill gaps at defensive tackle, wide receiver, kicker, nickel corner, and potentially quarterback. Defensive tackle is the top priority, with the departures of Gabriel Rubio, Jared Dawson, and likely Jason Onye, as well as the retirement of Donovan Hinish. As the writer noted, "Notre Dame is still in play with several players in the portal to fill key needs, defensive tackle being top of mind." The team is still actively pursuing players to fill these needs, and it’s essential to let the process play out.
Conclusion
The transfer portal process has not been ideal for Notre Dame, but it’s essential to keep things in perspective. The team is not at risk of not being a title contender this upcoming season because they didn’t land every major portal target. As the writer said, "Take a deep breathe; let it play out." Notre Dame fans need to be patient and trust the coaching staff to make the right decisions. With a strong recruiting class and many returning players, the Irish have a solid foundation to build on. As the writer concluded, "This isn’t an article dedicated to running cover for the operation, or lack thereof, in the portal. This isn’t an article that’s supposed to put blinders on the needs of the current roster. This is meant to be an honest evaluation of the current state of the roster."
https://roundtable.io/notre-dame/players/wants-vs-needs-notre-dame-s-outlook-on-the-transfer-portal