3 Potential Notre Dame Transfer Moves Ahead of Spring Window
3 Potential Notre Dame Transfer Moves Ahead of Spring Window
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are gearing up for what promises to be another exciting year. Under the guidance of head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has established itself as a powerhouse, competing for national championships and consistently recruiting top-tier talent. However, as the landscape of college football continues to evolve, the importance of utilizing the transfer portal has never been more critical.
With the spring transfer window on the horizon, Notre Dame is likely to make moves that will strengthen its roster and improve its chances of contending for a playoff spot. The transfer portal has proven to be a valuable tool for building depth and addressing specific needs, and Notre Dame is no exception to this trend. As the Fighting Irish prepare to make strategic moves, there are a few key areas of their roster that could benefit from reinforcements.
This article will explore three potential Notre Dame transfer moves ahead of the spring window, focusing on areas of need, the type of players the Fighting Irish might target, and how those additions could impact the team’s overall success in 2025.
1. Quarterback: A Potential Transfer to Compete with Sam Hartman
One of the most talked-about positions heading into the 2025 season is quarterback. Notre Dame’s quarterback situation has been a point of focus since the departure of former starter Drew Pyne, who transferred to Arizona State. After a season of growth under Freeman, the Fighting Irish have acquired a highly touted graduate transfer in Sam Hartman from Wake Forest, who will enter the 2025 season as the presumptive starting quarterback. Hartman brings years of experience and an impressive career to South Bend, and his presence immediately strengthens Notre Dame’s offense.
However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the depth at quarterback. Behind Hartman, Notre Dame has a few young quarterbacks, including Tyler Buchner and Steve Angeli, who are both talented but unproven at the highest level. While Buchner, who started in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury, showed promise, there are still questions about his development and ability to lead the team as a starter. Angeli, a highly ranked recruit, also has potential but lacks significant playing experience.
Given that quarterback is such a crucial position, the transfer portal could provide an opportunity for Notre Dame to add a seasoned backup who can step in if needed. One potential move that could benefit the Fighting Irish is targeting a quarterback with starting experience at the Power Five level. This player could provide depth behind Hartman, potentially push for a starting role should Hartman struggle, and bring leadership to the quarterback room.
Why a Transfer Quarterback Makes Sense
Notre Dame has been fortunate to have a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, but the reality is that Hartman will not be around forever. With just one year of eligibility remaining, the Fighting Irish need to prepare for the future beyond the 2025 season. A transfer quarterback could fill that gap, providing a bridge to the next era at the position.
Additionally, having a backup quarterback with significant experience could alleviate some of the pressure on the young quarterbacks currently on the roster. If Hartman were to suffer an injury, having a player who is ready to step in and lead the team would be invaluable. This is especially important considering that the Fighting Irish have a tough schedule ahead, including games against top-tier opponents such as USC, Clemson, and Ohio State.
While the primary focus should be on developing Buchner and Angeli, adding a proven backup through the transfer portal could be a smart move for Freeman and his staff. The team has the chance to solidify its quarterback depth and ensure it has the tools necessary to compete at the highest level.
2. Offensive Line: A Transfer to Bolster Depth and Protection
Another area where Notre Dame could benefit from a transfer is along the offensive line. The Fighting Irish have a long tradition of producing some of the best offensive linemen in college football, and this year is no exception. Notre Dame’s offensive line has been a cornerstone of its success under Freeman, with players such as Jarrett Patterson, Blake Fisher, and Joe Alt receiving national recognition. However, as with any program, depth is always a concern, and Notre Dame will need to add reinforcements to ensure it can weather the inevitable injuries that come with a grueling college football season.
While Notre Dame’s starting offensive line is one of the best in the country, the depth behind them is less experienced. If any injuries were to occur among the starting five, the Fighting Irish would rely on younger players who lack the experience of their senior counterparts. In particular, Notre Dame could look to the transfer portal for an experienced offensive lineman who can provide immediate help in a backup or rotational role.
Why a Transfer Offensive Lineman Makes Sense
With Notre Dame’s offense centered around a balanced attack, keeping quarterback Sam Hartman upright and opening running lanes for the talented backfield is essential. The Fighting Irish have a strong starting offensive line, but the margin for error in college football is razor-thin, especially when facing elite defensive fronts like those from Clemson, Ohio State, and USC. A seasoned transfer offensive lineman with experience in high-pressure situations could come in and contribute immediately, whether in a starting role or as a dependable backup.
Adding a veteran presence would also help the younger linemen develop at a faster rate. Notre Dame’s offensive line is an area where depth and experience are crucial for long-term success, and bringing in a transfer with the ability to plug into the system would provide security for Freeman’s squad. In a season where Notre Dame has championship aspirations, having a capable backup to step in at a moment’s notice is invaluable.
3. Wide Receiver: A Dynamic Playmaker to Complement Jaden Ivey
Wide receiver is another position where Notre Dame could look to the transfer portal for help, particularly to add a dynamic playmaker to complement Jaden Ivey and the rest of the receiving corps. While Notre Dame has several talented wide receivers, including Ivey, who is poised for a breakout year in 2025, the team could benefit from adding an experienced playmaker who can provide an immediate impact. Notre Dame’s offense needs to develop a more consistent downfield passing game, and adding a transfer receiver with the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches could give Hartman the weaponry he needs to thrive.
Notre Dame’s wide receiver room, while solid, lacks a true game-breaking talent who can dominate at the national level. Adding a receiver who has proven success at a Power Five program would be a boost for Freeman’s offense. A transfer wide receiver with experience could step in immediately and provide Hartman with a reliable target who can take the top off of defenses, making the entire offense more difficult to defend.
Why a Transfer Wide Receiver Makes Sense
While Notre Dame’s receiving corps has potential, the Fighting Irish have struggled to find consistency at the position in recent years. Adding a proven commodity through the transfer portal could give the team the playmaking ability it needs to compete with the best teams in the country. A transfer receiver could help stretch defenses and open up space for the other receivers and running backs, making the offense more balanced and dynamic.
Hartman, with his strong arm and ability to make all the necessary throws, would benefit from having a receiver who can go up and make contested catches or take short routes for big gains. This added dimension to the offense could help Notre Dame keep pace with the high-powered offenses of teams like USC, Ohio State, and Michigan, all of whom have explosive passing games.
Additionally, a transfer wide receiver could provide leadership to the younger players on the team. With Ivey expected to take on a larger role, having an experienced player who has been through the rigors of high-level college football could be invaluable in helping develop the younger players on the roster.
