Notre Dame sophomore guard Sam Pendleton has entered the Transfer Portal, per an ISD source.
Pendleton quickly rose up Notre Dame’s depth chart during fall camp, surpassing Rocco Spindler for the left guard position and starting for the first seven games of the season. However, after game eight, offensive line coach Joe Rudolph decided to start Spindler and Billy Schrauth, who was returning from an ankle injury.
Pendleton continued to contribute in a reserve role and on special teams. He had a notable performance against Indiana when Spindler was injured, helping the Irish rush for 193 yards in the second half.
Offensive line coach Mike Denbrock praised Pendleton’s toughness, which made him confident in starting him at Kyle Field in the season opener. “He embodies the toughness, leadership, and physicality we want in our offensive line,” Denbrock said. “He brings that to the other players on the line.”
Pendleton redshirted as a freshman, playing in games against Pitt and Stanford to preserve his eligibility.
During his recruitment, Pendleton, who was primarily recruited by Harry Hiestand, committed to Notre Dame early and helped recruit other key prospects like Sullivan Absher and Charles Jagusah.
At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Pendleton has entered the portal with a non-contact tag, meaning he doesn’t want schools reaching out to him. Tennessee could be a program to watch for the North Carolina native.
