Meet the transfers from Notre Dame football. What can they offer the Irish?

Notre Dame football has consistently remained a powerhouse in college football, with an emphasis on recruiting top talent and cultivating a culture of excellence. However, in the modern landscape of college football, transfers have become an integral part of roster building. The transfer portal has allowed teams like Notre Dame to fill immediate needs, enhance depth, and add experience, all while staying competitive in an ever-evolving football environment.

The Fighting Irish’s transfer class this year brings a mix of experience, skill, and versatility, adding valuable depth to several key positions. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the transfers Notre Dame has brought in and examine what they can offer the Irish.

1. Sam Hartman – Quarterback (Wake Forest)

The most high-profile addition to Notre Dame’s transfer class is quarterback Sam Hartman from Wake Forest. Hartman, a five-year starter for the Demon Deacons, is a proven commodity at the quarterback position. Over his career at Wake Forest, Hartman threw for over 12,000 yards and 110 touchdowns, making him one of the ACC’s most prolific quarterbacks.

What Hartman brings to Notre Dame is a combination of leadership, maturity, and consistency. As the Irish continue their search for a more dynamic, high-powered offense, Hartman’s ability to read defenses, manage the game, and throw with precision will be invaluable. Hartman also has experience in high-pressure situations, having played in multiple bowl games and ACC Championship contests.

His presence will provide stability and continuity in a position that has often been in flux for Notre Dame in recent years. With his strong arm, accurate deep ball, and ability to make all the necessary throws, Hartman can help take the Irish offense to the next level, particularly in the passing game.

2. Jayden Mickey – Cornerback (USC)

Cornerback Jayden Mickey comes to Notre Dame from USC, where he played significant snaps in his freshman year for the Trojans. Mickey, a California native, is an athletic and physical corner with excellent coverage skills. His ability to cover both the short and deep passes will immediately bolster Notre Dame’s secondary, which has been one of the team’s weaker points in recent years.

Mickey’s experience in the Pac-12 will be valuable as he transitions into the Irish defense. His speed, ball skills, and understanding of different offensive schemes will make him a key player for Notre Dame, especially in a league that emphasizes passing offenses like the ACC. With the departure of some of Notre Dame’s top defensive backs, Mickey’s ability to step in and provide quality depth will be crucial.

3. Thomas Harper – Safety (Oklahoma State)

Thomas Harper, a safety from Oklahoma State, is another key addition to the Irish defense. Harper is known for his leadership qualities, high football IQ, and versatility in the secondary. He has the ability to play both as a traditional safety or even in a nickel role when needed, making him a versatile piece for Notre Dame’s defense.

Harper’s strong tackler and ability to cover receivers in the middle of the field give him the skill set necessary to contribute immediately. His experience in the Big 12, a conference known for its high-scoring offenses, has helped him develop a keen sense for both run and pass coverage. Notre Dame’s secondary has been a question mark in the past, and Harper’s addition provides both depth and talent at safety.

Moreover, his leadership and understanding of various defensive systems will help him gel quickly with defensive coordinator Al Golden’s defensive schemes, allowing him to make an impact early in the season.

4. Aidan Gobaira – Defensive End (Virginia Tech)

Defensive end Aidan Gobaira arrives at Notre Dame from Virginia Tech, bringing a blend of size, strength, and athleticism to the Irish defensive line. Gobaira is a relentless pass rusher with an excellent first step and a knack for getting to the quarterback. His addition will provide depth to a Notre Dame defensive line that has been one of the team’s strengths in recent seasons.

Gobaira’s pass-rushing ability will complement Notre Dame’s existing defensive ends and linebackers, allowing the Irish to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His size and strength also make him effective against the run, and his versatility allows him to play both inside and outside along the defensive line. With the departure of some key defensive players from last year’s squad, Gobaira will be an important factor in maintaining Notre Dame’s defensive identity.

5. Chris Tyree – Running Back (Virginia)

A former top recruit for the Fighting Irish, running back Chris Tyree returns to Notre Dame after transferring from Virginia. Tyree was an exciting prospect coming out of high school and made an immediate impact in his early seasons at Notre Dame. However, after some struggles with consistency and injuries, he decided to transfer and seek more opportunities for playing time.

Tyree is known for his explosive speed and big-play ability, especially on the outside. His home-run potential makes him a dangerous weapon in the Irish backfield. With his return, Notre Dame will have an experienced back who can contribute in both the running game and as a receiving threat out of the backfield.

In addition to his physical tools, Tyree’s familiarity with Notre Dame’s system will allow him to seamlessly transition back into the fold. His quickness and agility give him the ability to contribute in a variety of ways, including as a change-of-pace back or a key weapon in third-down situations.

6. Cooper Lutz – Wide Receiver (Syracuse)

Cooper Lutz, a wide receiver from Syracuse, brings much-needed depth to Notre Dame’s receiving corps. Lutz has a strong frame, excellent hands, and the ability to make plays after the catch. His experience in the ACC will also help him adapt quickly to Notre Dame’s system, and he can be a reliable option in key situations, especially in the intermediate passing game.

Lutz’s addition gives Notre Dame another viable weapon in the passing game, complementing the existing talents of Lorenzo Styles, Jayden Thomas, and Tobias Merriweather. His reliability in tough situations, combined with his ability to create mismatches in space, will be an asset for the Irish, who are looking to improve their aerial attack.

With Notre Dame having struggled to find consistent playmaking from their wide receivers in the past, Lutz’s experience and ability to run crisp routes will provide a much-needed spark to the unit.

7. Billy Schrauth – Offensive Guard (Wisconsin)

Billy Schrauth, an offensive guard from Wisconsin, is a key addition to Notre Dame’s offensive line. A physical and aggressive blocker, Schrauth will help solidify the Irish’s offensive line, which has been a consistent strength of the team in recent years. At 6-foot-4 and over 300 pounds, Schrauth brings size, strength, and technique to a line that prides itself on dominating the line of scrimmage.

Schrauth’s experience in the Big Ten, where offensive line play is often a focal point, will allow him to step in and contribute immediately. His ability to anchor in pass protection and create running lanes for the Irish running backs will be vital for the success of Notre Dame’s offense in 2025. His leadership and toughness will also bring a physical edge to the unit, which is crucial in the trenches.

8. Manny Sanguinetti – Linebacker (Michigan)

Manny Sanguinetti, a linebacker who transferred from Michigan, provides much-needed depth at the linebacker position for Notre Dame. Sanguinetti is a player with great instincts, a nose for the ball, and a tenacious approach to defending both the run and pass. His presence allows the Irish to have another versatile linebacker who can contribute on all three downs.

Sanguinetti’s experience playing in the Big Ten, a conference known for its physicality, will serve him well in the ACC. He brings leadership and maturity to a linebacker corps that has seen significant turnover. Sanguinetti’s ability to read offensive formations and react quickly will be crucial for Notre Dame as they look to improve on their defensive consistency.