According to Marcus Freeman, this spring, Notre Dame football is “not actively seeking” transfer assistance.

As the college football offseason progresses and programs continue to fine-tune their rosters, Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman has made a defining statement regarding his team’s approach to roster management. The Irish, currently navigating spring football and gearing up for the 2025 season, are not actively seeking transfer assistance. This comment holds weight not only because of the context in which it was made, but because it signals a fundamental shift in Notre Dame’s football philosophy under Freeman’s leadership.

While many college football programs across the nation are using the NCAA Transfer Portal as a key tool to supplement their roster, Freeman has made it clear that his priority remains developing players internally through high school recruiting. This decision to avoid actively searching for transfers represents a significant deviation from the strategies of other programs that have been more aggressive in bringing in talent through the portal.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what this statement means for the future of Notre Dame football, explore the broader context of the transfer portal in college football, and examine how Freeman’s approach could shape the program’s long-term success.

The Rise of the Transfer Portal

The NCAA Transfer Portal has dramatically changed the landscape of college football. Since its introduction in 2018, the portal has allowed players to transfer between schools without sitting out a season, which was previously a major barrier. This new system has made the transfer market a central piece of roster-building for programs across the country.

Some programs have embraced this new reality by actively seeking players through the portal, particularly those who may address immediate needs. The biggest beneficiaries of the transfer portal have often been programs in need of immediate impact players—especially at quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver positions. Teams that have already established strong recruiting pipelines are often able to supplement their roster with experienced transfers who can come in and make an immediate difference.

For example, schools like Alabama, Ohio State, and USC have used the transfer portal to land marquee players who can step in and contribute right away. These programs have capitalized on the opportunity to add veteran leadership, positional depth, and star-caliber talent without waiting for freshmen to develop over the course of several years.

Marcus Freeman’s Strategic Approach

Notre Dame, however, has largely stayed out of the aggressive transfer market—at least for this spring—thanks to Freeman’s strategy of building the team from the inside out. He firmly believes that the foundation of the program lies in high school recruiting. This philosophy, while not revolutionary, sets Notre Dame apart from many other powerhouses in the current college football environment.

Freeman’s perspective stems from his desire to build a program that not only competes at the highest level but also embodies a sense of long-term stability. “We’re not actively seeking transfers this spring,” Freeman stated, emphasizing the focus on developing players who have already committed to Notre Dame. The message was clear: the Irish are going to rely on their incoming recruits, internal development, and current roster to build a championship-caliber team.

Freeman’s belief in homegrown talent isn’t just about roster-building; it’s also about maintaining the culture of the program. Freeman has repeatedly mentioned how important it is to foster a locker room environment where players understand and live out the values that are synonymous with Notre Dame. Recruiting players who align with the program’s culture is something Freeman has emphasized, and this translates into how he views the importance of the Transfer Portal. While the portal can offer quick fixes, Freeman values the process of developing players over several years and watching them mature both on and off the field.

Why Not Actively Seek Transfers?

Freeman’s decision to not actively pursue transfers this spring is rooted in a broader philosophy of sustainability and long-term program-building. The argument against relying too heavily on transfers revolves around several key points:

1. Player Development and Consistency: Freeman is not interested in building a team that is constantly revolving players in and out through the portal. He’s invested in developing players who commit to Notre Dame and grow within the program. This development happens over time and through strong relationships with coaches and teammates. Players who stay for their full college careers often understand the culture and expectations in a way that transfer players may struggle with, especially in the early stages.
2. Cohesion and Team Chemistry: One of the potential drawbacks of relying on transfers is the impact it can have on team chemistry. In a sport as interconnected as football, the importance of player relationships cannot be overstated. Teams that recruit high school talent and develop them from year one often have stronger chemistry and a deeper understanding of how to work together. Freeman believes that by fostering a sense of loyalty and commitment through his recruits, Notre Dame will be able to build a more cohesive unit over time.
3. Aligning with Notre Dame’s Values: Notre Dame is known for its strong academic standards, commitment to character, and deep-rooted traditions. Freeman has made it clear that he doesn’t want to compromise the integrity of the program by taking on players who may not fully align with the university’s values. As the transfer portal becomes an increasingly open avenue for players to switch schools for reasons that range from playing time to personal issues, Freeman’s approach is a reminder that Notre Dame isn’t looking for quick fixes. Instead, the goal is to build a program that fosters growth and development within a system that prioritizes more than just football.
4. Recruiting and Long-Term Success: By focusing on high school recruiting, Freeman and the coaching staff at Notre Dame are building for the future. Relying too heavily on the portal could create a cycle of “band-aid solutions” rather than sustained excellence. The focus on recruiting and player development ensures that Notre Dame can continue to remain competitive long after the current players have moved on.

The Transfer Portal: A Tool, Not a Solution

Freeman’s statement that the team is “not actively seeking” transfer assistance doesn’t mean that Notre Dame is entirely closed off to the idea of the transfer portal. Instead, Freeman has emphasized that the portal should be viewed as a tool for addressing specific needs, rather than as a primary method for roster-building.

“Everything is a situational decision,” Freeman has said. If the right player is available who can add value to the program, the coaching staff will consider making a move. But this player must fit within the Notre Dame system and culture, aligning with the university’s standards both on and off the field.

For instance, if a player who fits the program’s values and needs comes available at a position of need, Notre Dame may very well make a move. However, Freeman has reiterated that these decisions will be made with a clear understanding that the player is expected to contribute in both the short and long term.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Notre Dame Football

As Freeman continues to establish his program, his stance on the transfer portal will likely evolve. Notre Dame, like every other team in college football, will need to stay adaptable and responsive to changes in the landscape of college sports. However, Freeman’s current approach sets a tone of consistency and integrity, reflecting the culture that he wants to build at Notre Dame.

For the upcoming seasons, Freeman’s commitment to high school recruiting will remain central to his strategy. In the near term, the program’s success will depend heavily on the development of players who are committed to Notre Dame’s long-term vision. However, as the Transfer Portal continues to evolve and grow in importance, Freeman and his staff will need to ensure that they strike the right balance between nurturing homegrown talent and utilizing the portal when necessary.

Marcus Freeman’s statement that Notre Dame football is “not actively seeking” transfer assistance this spring provides valuable insight into his vision for the program. While many programs have rushed to bolster their rosters with transfer portal talent, Freeman is taking a more measured approach, focusing on building from the ground up. This decision prioritizes player development, team chemistry, and sustainability over quick fixes, reflecting Freeman’s long-term goals for Notre Dame.

As the 2025 season approaches, Notre Dame’s recruiting and player development strategy will be put to the test. But with Freeman at the helm, the Fighting Irish are laying the foundation for a program that is not only competitive but built to last.