Stanford edge David Bailey has entered the portal, and Notre Dame could recruit him again

David Bailey, a standout edge rusher from Stanford University, has recently entered the transfer portal following the dismissal of head coach Troy Taylor. This development has sparked interest among several programs, including the University of Notre Dame, which had previously recruited Bailey during his high school career.

High School Career and Recruitment

Bailey attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, where he distinguished himself as a formidable defensive player. In his senior year, he recorded 54 tackles and 15.5 sacks, earning the title of Orange County Defensive Player of the Year. His exceptional performance led to his participation in the 2022 All-American Bowl. citeturn0search14 As a highly sought-after four-star recruit, Bailey was ranked No. 33 nationally by 247Sports and was considered the No. 2 player in California. citeturn0search0 Despite interest from multiple top-tier programs, he committed to Stanford in December 2021.

Collegiate Performance at Stanford

Bailey made an immediate impact at Stanford. As a freshman in 2022, he appeared in 11 games, starting nine, and amassed 46 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. His performance earned him recognition as a 247Sports True Freshman All-American. citeturn0search1 In his sophomore year, he continued to excel, leading the team with six tackles for loss and five sacks, and was named Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week in September 2023. citeturn0search0 By his junior year, Bailey’s dominance was evident as he led the team in multiple defensive categories, including tackles for loss (8.0), sacks (7.0), and forced fumbles (5). His performance garnered him the ACC Linebacker of the Week award in September 2024.

Entry into the Transfer Portal

The recent coaching change at Stanford, marked by the firing of head coach Troy Taylor due to alleged mistreatment, has led to several players entering the transfer portal, with Bailey being the most prominent among them. citeturn0search2 As a graduate transfer, Bailey is immediately eligible to play for another program, making him an attractive prospect for teams seeking to bolster their defensive lineup.

Potential Fit with Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s interest in Bailey is both strategic and timely. The Fighting Irish have been focusing on strengthening their defense, particularly the pass rush. Bailey’s proven track record as an edge rusher aligns with Notre Dame’s defensive needs. His ability to disrupt offenses and create turnovers could provide an immediate boost to their defensive unit.

Moreover, Bailey’s academic commitment aligns with Notre Dame’s emphasis on student-athlete excellence. His initial consideration of Notre Dame during his recruitment suggests a mutual respect and familiarity that could facilitate his integration into the program.

Considerations and Outlook

While Notre Dame presents a compelling option, Bailey is likely to attract attention from multiple programs nationwide. Schools within California, such as USC and UCLA, have already shown interest, leveraging geographic proximity and familiarity. citeturn0search5 Bailey’s decision will hinge on various factors, including the opportunity for immediate playing time, the team’s competitive prospects, coaching stability, and alignment with his academic and athletic goals.

For Notre Dame, securing a player of Bailey’s caliber would not only enhance their defensive prowess but also signal their competitiveness in the evolving landscape of college football recruitment, where the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) considerations play increasingly significant roles.

As the transfer process unfolds, Notre Dame’s coaching staff will need to effectively communicate their vision and demonstrate how Bailey’s skills and aspirations align with the program’s objectives. Their ability to do so could be pivotal in bringing this talented edge rusher to South Bend.