The Athletic’s primer on the Notre Dame transfer portal: Where the Irish stand at every position as the spring window opens

Notre Dame Football Transfer Portal Primer: Spring 2025 Position Breakdown

As the spring transfer portal window opens, Notre Dame football is actively reshaping its roster for the 2025 season. With several key departures and incoming transfers, the Fighting Irish are focusing on strengthening specific positions to maintain their competitive edge. This primer provides an overview of where Notre Dame stands at each position as the spring portal period begins.

Quarterback

Notre Dame enters the spring with a clear plan at quarterback. The team has no immediate plans to pursue a transfer quarterback, indicating confidence in their current roster and incoming recruits. This stability allows the coaching staff to focus on developing existing talent and integrating new players into the system.

Running Back

The running back position remains a strength for Notre Dame. With a solid group returning, the team is not actively seeking transfers at this position. The focus will be on maintaining depth and ensuring that all players are prepared to contribute as needed throughout the season.

Wide Receiver

Wide receiver is a position where Notre Dame has been active in the transfer portal. The departures of Chris Tyree, Tobias Merriweather, Rico Flores, and Braylon James have left gaps that need to be filled. To address this, the Irish have added several transfers:

• Beaux Collins: A former Clemson standout, Collins brings experience and playmaking ability to the receiving corps.
• Kris Mitchell: A transfer from Liberty, Mitchell adds depth and versatility to the position.
• Malachi Fields: Coming from Virginia, Fields offers size and physicality, providing a different dimension to the receiving group.
• Will Pauling: A transfer from Wisconsin, Pauling adds speed and route-running proficiency, enhancing the team’s options in the passing game.

These additions aim to bolster the receiving corps and provide more weapons for the offense.

Tight End

The tight end position sees a significant change with the addition of Ty Washington from Arkansas. Washington brings experience and skill to the position, filling a crucial role in the offense. His arrival is expected to strengthen the tight end group and provide a reliable target in the passing game.

Offensive Line

The offensive line remains a focal point for Notre Dame. While there are no immediate transfers at this position, the team is focusing on developing existing players and ensuring depth. The coaching staff is committed to maintaining the offensive line’s performance and addressing any needs that may arise during the season.

Defensive Line

The defensive line has seen some changes with the departure of key players. To address this, Notre Dame has added Jared Dawson, a defensive tackle from Louisville. Dawson brings experience and strength to the line, helping to fill the void left by departing players. His addition is expected to enhance the defensive front and provide leadership on the field.

Linebacker

Linebacker remains a stable position for Notre Dame, with no immediate transfers affecting the group. The focus will be on developing existing talent and ensuring that the linebackers are prepared to lead the defense. The coaching staff is confident in the depth and capability of the current roster.

Defensive Back

The defensive backfield is undergoing some changes with the departure of key players. To address this, Notre Dame has added Jalen Stroman, a safety from Virginia Tech. Stroman brings experience and versatility to the secondary, helping to fill the gaps left by departing players. His addition is expected to strengthen the defensive backfield and provide leadership in the secondary.

Special Teams

Special teams is an area where Notre Dame has made strategic additions. The team has brought in Noah Burnette, a place kicker from North Carolina. Burnette’s experience and consistency are expected to enhance the special teams unit and provide reliability in the kicking game.

As the spring transfer portal window begins, Notre Dame football is actively addressing key areas to strengthen its roster for the 2025 season. With strategic additions at wide receiver, tight end, defensive line, and special teams, the Fighting Irish are positioning themselves for success. The coaching staff remains focused on developing existing talent and integrating new players to maintain the program’s competitive edge.