Transfer Portal Alert: Is This Big-Time Pass Rusher a Possible Target for Notre Dame?

As college football continues to evolve in the era of the transfer portal, programs are increasingly looking to bolster their rosters with experienced, high-impact players who can make an immediate difference. Notre Dame football, under head coach Marcus Freeman, is no exception. While the Fighting Irish have historically built their programs through strong recruiting classes and player development, the transfer portal has become a key tool in filling specific needs and adding instant impact. One such area of need for the Irish has been at the pass rusher position. With the 2023 season fast approaching, the addition of a proven, big-time pass rusher could be just what Notre Dame needs to strengthen its defense and improve its chances of competing for a national championship.

Pass rushers are the lifeblood of any elite defense, and Notre Dame’s defensive front has been formidable in recent seasons, but the team has been missing that one dominant, game-changing edge rusher. Historically, Notre Dame has had solid defensive linemen and linebackers, but it hasn’t consistently had that elite pass rusher who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and change the course of a game. The Fighting Irish have some talented pieces in place on defense, but with the absence of a true game-changer off the edge, Notre Dame might find itself in need of a playmaker who can apply consistent pressure on quarterbacks.

The question is: who are the potential targets in the transfer portal, and could any of these big-time pass rushers be the missing piece for Marcus Freeman and the Irish?

Why Pass Rush is a Key Need for Notre Dame

Before diving into the potential targets in the portal, it’s important to understand why pass rush has become such a key area of focus for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish defense has long been solid under Freeman, known for its toughness, discipline, and ability to stop the run. However, one area where the team has occasionally lacked consistency is in applying pressure to the quarterback, particularly in key moments.

Notre Dame’s defense has had some standout players, including standout defensive linemen and linebackers, but the ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks has sometimes been a limiting factor. A top-tier pass rusher can not only disrupt the opposing quarterback’s timing but also force turnovers, create opportunities for the secondary, and allow the rest of the defense to excel. The lack of a true dominant pass rusher was evident in several close games against elite teams in recent seasons, and it’s an area where Notre Dame can ill-afford to fall short if it wants to compete for a national title.

While the Irish have some talent in the defensive line and linebacker positions, the pass-rushing unit lacks that one standout individual who can consistently collapse the pocket and take over a game. This is why the transfer portal represents an excellent opportunity for Notre Dame to address this glaring need by targeting a high-impact edge rusher with experience and the ability to contribute immediately.

The Transfer Portal and the Changing Landscape of Recruiting

The transfer portal has become one of the most significant developments in college football in recent years, allowing players to change schools without having to sit out a season. This has changed the recruiting landscape dramatically, with top programs now looking to the portal to fill immediate needs or add depth to their roster.

For Notre Dame, the portal has proven to be an essential tool for enhancing the program. While Freeman’s recruiting efforts have been strong, the ability to add experienced players via the portal has given the Irish the chance to plug specific holes in the roster and bring in players who can make an impact right away. The idea of adding a dynamic pass rusher to an already talented defense is exactly the kind of move that could elevate Notre Dame to the next level and push them into College Football Playoff contention.

The process of targeting a pass rusher in the transfer portal, however, is not without its challenges. There are numerous edge rushers available each year, and it’s critical for the coaching staff to evaluate not only their talent but also their fit within the team’s defensive scheme. The player must be able to mesh well with Notre Dame’s defensive system, work ethic, and culture. The Irish aren’t looking for just any pass rusher—they need someone who can come in and make an immediate difference while contributing to the long-term development of the team.

The Ideal Fit for Notre Dame: What They Need in a Pass Rusher

In terms of the characteristics that Notre Dame should prioritize when searching for a pass rusher, there are several key traits that make a player an ideal fit:

1. Speed and Quickness off the Edge: Pass rushers with explosive speed and burst off the line of scrimmage are essential for putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The ideal rusher should have the ability to beat offensive tackles with both speed and power, providing multiple ways to generate pressure.
2. Strength and Physicality: While speed is important, pass rushers also need to have the strength to disengage from blockers and finish plays. The ideal edge rusher should be able to hold up against powerful offensive tackles and use their strength to shed blocks and get to the quarterback.
3. Pass Rush Moves: A pass rusher with a diverse set of moves, such as a swim move, spin move, or bull rush, is crucial for keeping offensive linemen on their toes. The ability to adjust in real-time and use multiple techniques can make a pass rusher more unpredictable and effective.
4. Motor and Effort: A relentless motor is essential for a pass rusher, especially in key moments. The best edge rushers don’t give up on plays, chasing down quarterbacks even after initial contact or during extended plays.
5. Experience and Leadership: Notre Dame is looking for a player who can step in and make an immediate impact. This means experience at a high level of play, whether in a Power Five conference or another competitive setting. Leadership qualities are also a plus, as the defensive unit will rely on the pass rusher to set the tone and inspire the rest of the team.

Potential Transfer Portal Targets for Notre Dame

While Notre Dame may not have the same ability to throw money at recruits as other programs with larger NIL budgets, the Fighting Irish have a strong tradition, a passionate fanbase, and a winning culture that make them an attractive destination for talented players in the transfer portal. With that in mind, here are a few potential pass rushers who could be strong targets for Notre Dame:

1. Brayden Thomas (Transfer from Oklahoma): Brayden Thomas is a name that has been popping up in transfer discussions as a potentially high-impact pass rusher. Having spent several years at Oklahoma, Thomas has the ability to bring a wealth of experience to Notre Dame’s defense. His athleticism, combined with his pass-rushing ability, would make him a prime candidate to contribute right away for the Fighting Irish. His versatility, speed off the edge, and proven track record of getting to the quarterback make him a potential game-changer for Freeman’s defense.
2. Jordan Burch (Transfer from South Carolina): Jordan Burch is one of the most highly sought-after pass rushers in the portal. Known for his size, strength, and relentless motor, Burch has the ability to dominate opposing offenses and be a leader on the field. His experience in the SEC, where he faced elite competition week in and week out, gives him a proven track record at the highest level. If Notre Dame can land Burch, it would add a top-tier pass rusher to the defensive line who could make an immediate impact and provide much-needed pressure on quarterbacks.
3. Landon Jackson (Transfer from LSU): Landon Jackson is another name that could be a great fit for Notre Dame’s defense. Standing at 6’6” and possessing a combination of power and quickness, Jackson has the physical tools necessary to succeed as a pass rusher at the highest level. His ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks, combined with his size and experience in a competitive SEC environment, makes him a valuable target for the Fighting Irish. Jackson’s ability to defend the run as well as rush the passer makes him a versatile asset for any defensive scheme.
4. Fadil Diggs (Transfer from Texas A&M): Fadil Diggs is a dynamic edge rusher who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Texas A&M. Known for his speed off the edge and ability to disrupt the quarterback, Diggs would bring a much-needed element of explosiveness to the Notre Dame defense. His ability to bend the edge and accelerate through contact is a skill set that would complement Notre Dame’s overall defensive strategy. If Freeman’s staff is able to land Diggs, it would significantly improve the Irish’s pass rush and give them a key piece to compete with top offenses.