The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been locked in a fierce pursuit of the National Championship since their first-round game a month ago. With their sights set firmly on the ultimate prize, there’s been little chatter about what the offseason might bring.
For over a month, it seemed unlikely that any Notre Dame players would enter the transfer portal. However, during the holiday season, the Irish flipped the script by bolstering their roster with new talent, particularly at key positions like wide receiver.
Recently, Notre Dame secured commitments from four players through the transfer portal:
- Jared Dawson (DT) – Louisville Cardinals
- Elijah Hughes (DT) – USC Trojans
- Jalen Stroman (DB) – Virginia Tech Hokies
- Noah Brunette (K) – North Carolina Tar Heels
The Irish had prioritized adding depth on the defensive line and delivered with Dawson and Hughes, two promising prospects. While neither is a proven star yet, Notre Dame’s coaching staff has a strong track record of maximizing talent. Hughes, in particular, offers multiple years of eligibility, a valuable asset for building strength in the trenches.
Jalen Stroman, a defensive back with NFL potential, missed most of the 2024 season due to an injury in the opener against Vanderbilt. Still, his veteran experience and skill set make him a great addition to Notre Dame’s secondary, continuing the team’s success with transfer defensive backs.
Additionally, the Irish brought in Noah Brunette, a Second Team All-ACC kicker. While Notre Dame already signed a kicker in their 2025 recruiting class, adding an experienced specialist like Brunette strengthens their special teams.
The transfer portal has been a game-changer for Notre Dame, helping shape a team now competing for the national championship. Looking ahead, there’s plenty of optimism about the new faces joining the program. While departures are inevitable, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum built this season.
