Notre Dame safety Kennedy Urlacher, son of Bears’ legend Brian Urlacher, will reportedly enter the transfer portal.
In a surprising development following the conclusion of spring practices, Notre Dame safety Kennedy Urlacher has reportedly decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, signaling a potential change of scenery for one of the Fighting Irish’s most intriguing young defensive prospects. Urlacher, a legacy name in football circles as the son of Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, will now explore options that may offer more immediate playing time and a new developmental fit.
While he didn’t see significant game action during his time in South Bend, Urlacher’s departure is still noteworthy—not just because of his famous last name, but because of the buzz he carried into the program and what he represented: a talented, high-upside defender with football in his blood and a deep competitive edge.
Let’s take a deeper look at Kennedy Urlacher’s journey to Notre Dame, his development as a player, and what this transfer means for both him and the Irish moving forward.
A Name That Carries Weight—But a Game That’s All His Own
When your last name is Urlacher, expectations follow you like a shadow.
Kennedy grew up surrounded by football. Watching his father dominate Sunday after Sunday for the Chicago Bears gave him a front-row seat to greatness—but also set a high bar. The elder Urlacher was known for his intelligence, sideline-to-sideline speed, and punishing physicality as the anchor of the Bears’ defense during the 2000s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
But from the beginning, Kennedy has made it clear: he’s his own man.
“I’m not trying to be my dad,” Kennedy said during his high school recruitment. “I love everything he accomplished, but I’ve always worked to make my own name.”
That effort was clear during his time at Chandler High School in Arizona, where he developed into a hard-hitting, cerebral safety with a knack for reading plays early and coming downhill with aggression. His football IQ—unsurprisingly—was off the charts. Scouts praised his ability to dissect offensive schemes, recognize route combinations, and make pre-snap adjustments.
At 6-foot-1 and around 190 pounds, Kennedy had the size and speed to play either safety spot in college. A three-star recruit by most services, he still received interest from elite programs including Penn State, Miami, TCU, and Wisconsin.
But when Notre Dame came calling, it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.
The Notre Dame Chapter: Development and Depth
Urlacher signed with Notre Dame as part of the 2024 recruiting class, drawn in by the Irish’s reputation for producing elite defenders, the university’s academic excellence, and the culture being built under head coach Marcus Freeman—himself a former linebacker and defensive coordinator.
The plan was clear from the start: Kennedy would enter as a developmental player, redshirt if necessary, and work behind a deep and experienced safety unit that included returning starters and multiple former blue-chip recruits.
Urlacher embraced the challenge. Coaches raved about his work ethic in the weight room, his attention to detail during film sessions, and his relentless approach to improving on special teams. He made plays during scout team reps and quietly earned the respect of older teammates.
“He’s one of those guys who’s always asking questions, always locked in,” said a Notre Dame staffer. “He wants to be great. He’s got the pedigree and the mindset.”
However, with the emergence of players like Xavier Watts—a likely All-American—and rising talents such as Ben Minich, Luke Talich, and Brandyn Hillman, the path to immediate playing time at safety became more complicated. The Irish secondary is arguably one of the team’s strongest position groups heading into 2025.
In that context, Urlacher’s decision to explore the transfer portal makes sense. He’s not running from competition—but he’s seeking a place where his timeline and the program’s needs better align.
Why the Transfer Makes Sense for Urlacher
While Notre Dame is the type of program that values player development and often sees its athletes break out later in their careers, Kennedy Urlacher is clearly looking for an accelerated opportunity to get on the field.
There are several reasons this decision could prove to be the right one for him:
- Playing Time: With Watts returning and other safeties getting more reps in the spring, Kennedy may see a clearer path elsewhere. A program in need of immediate depth at safety—especially one that runs multiple defensive looks—could plug him in early.
- Scheme Fit: Some defensive systems ask safeties to play closer to the box, while others prefer coverage-heavy responsibilities. Urlacher’s strengths may be better utilized in a system that lets him roam and react—perhaps even one that allows him to cross-train at linebacker.
- Personal Growth: Being the son of a legend and carrying that weight at a place like Notre Dame comes with immense pressure. A change of environment might allow Kennedy to reset, find his voice, and fully emerge as a leader and impact player.
- Long-Term Development: Sometimes, a fresh start unlocks another level of performance. A coaching staff that invests in Kennedy as a foundational player could fast-track his growth and set him up for a strong finish to his college career.
What’s Next: Possible Landing Spots
Given his pedigree, high school production, and the respect he earned at Notre Dame, Kennedy Urlacher will not be short on suitors.
Expect interest from programs across the Power Five—particularly those looking to bolster their secondary depth and add a player who brings maturity, discipline, and football intelligence.
Some possibilities:
- Arizona or Arizona State: A return to his home state would offer proximity to family and immediate media attention. Both programs are in transition and could use a steadying presence in the secondary.
- Big Ten Programs: Schools like Nebraska, Minnesota, or Purdue could see him as a plug-and-play option with upside and a leadership background.
- Mountain West or AAC Schools: If Kennedy is open to leveling down slightly for guaranteed playing time, schools like Boise State, San Diego State, or SMU could be perfect fits.
- Miami: As one of his original finalists, the Hurricanes already have a relationship and could re-engage if their depth chart has shifted since last year.
Wherever he ends up, expect Kennedy to bring competitiveness, preparation, and character—all traits that coaches at every level value.
Notre Dame’s Perspective: Loaded but Losing Depth
For Notre Dame, the loss of Kennedy Urlacher does not create an immediate depth crisis at safety, but it is a reminder of how quickly depth can shift in college football. With the transfer portal now a central part of roster management, even a deep room can feel thin overnight.
Still, the Irish remain in good shape.
- Xavier Watts returns as a premier playmaker and leader of the defense.
- Luke Talich has emerged as a serious contender to start after a breakout spring.
- Ben Minich and Brandyn Hillman offer elite speed and coverage ability.
- Freshmen like Ivan Taylor and Brauntae Johnson are already turning heads.
That said, Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden will likely monitor the portal themselves for experienced safeties, especially given the physical demands and injury risks associated with the position.
As for Kennedy, there’s no ill will—only respect.
“He gave everything to the program,” said one assistant. “Sometimes, the best way to honor that is to let them find the right fit.”
Legacy Continued—Just in a New Jersey
Kennedy Urlacher’s story at Notre Dame may be ending, but his football journey is far from over. Whether he lands at a Power Five school or somewhere that offers a unique fit, his next chapter will be one worth watching.
He’s not just the son of a Hall of Famer. He’s a student of the game, a passionate competitor, and a young man who’s still writing his own story.
In the modern college football era, where transfers are no longer taboo but rather part of a strategic career arc, Urlacher’s move should be seen not as a departure—but as a pivot.
From Cody to Chandler to South Bend and beyond, Kennedy Urlacher’s football journey continues—and it’s far from finished.
