2026 Transfer Portal - General

[Chino Cherokee]

From today's II Podcast:

-They believe that Bowen and Greathouse have re-signed
-Brice was told that ND has "very strong momentum" to retain Sneed
-Brice is trying to get up-to-date info on Shuler and O'Malley is trying to get info on Gray
-ND is trying to get involved with Chaz Coleman, but Brice was told that Ohio State is the clear leader
-Mixed reviews on how much ND is recruiting and evaluating Smothers...they don't want to spend $1M on a RB out of the portal
-Brice thinks ND has a good chance of retaining Schrauth

Brice, O'Malley, and Mentock were asked if the following players will be on ND's roster next year (some are random):
Schrauth: All said yes
Burnham: Brice-No, O'Malley/Mentock-Yes
Transfer RB: Brice/Mentock-Yes (Brice said not of the Smothers ilk), O'Malley-No
Shuler: All said yes
Gray: All said yes
Mukam: All said yes
Scrap Richardson: All said no
Larsen: Brice/Mentock-No, O'Malley-Yes
Sevillano: All said yes (Brice and O'Malley think it's barely over 50%)
3rd string player who won't be on the roster: Brice-Minich, Mentock-Kahoun, O'Malley-Blair (the pod was recorded before he hit the portal)

Any word on Traore?

 

[NDMatt91]

Any word on Traore?

I'd have to give it another listen, but I don't remember them mentioning him at all.

 

[IRISHbluehen]

Any word on Traore?

By all accounts, Traore is expected back

 

[cody1smith]

Drinkwitz is a dork. I guarantee you he owns a Winger t-shirt.

Justin is this you?!?

 

[IrishInOntario]

After watching roster developments over the last couple weeks and trying to anticipate what will happen between now and the portal closing, what I would add is the following...

QB: 1
This guy has to be a veteran with some playing experience. It's likely going to be an "ugly", boring addition, but that's because it's somebody that understands that his chances of playing competitive downs are minimal.

RB: 1
I know most people want a Hollywood Smothers type addition, but I actually think there are about 4-5 guys in the portal, or that might enter the portal if ND approaches, that would be willing to time share with the likes of Aneyas Williams, for half of what Smothers would want in rev share / NIL. Some of the names are not sexy, but they're experienced guys, that would be productive behind ND's offensive lines.

WR: 1
This should be a boundary WR, no questions asked. Nick Marsh is obviously at the top of the board. A guy like KJ Duff would fit the bill as well. It has to be a guy with some height / length that can be a downfield threat for Carr, while Gilbert or Williams continue to develop in a #2 role.

DT: 1-2
It's obvious that ND is going to need to add at least one impact player. Ideally, the player would be somebody with some interior pass rush ability. Mateen Ibirogba makes a lot of sense, but a couple other names could arise as well. If Onye can't get another year of eligibility, I'd pursue a second guy.

DE: 0-1
This just comes down to Burnham. If Josh stays, there is no need to go to the portal. If Josh leaves, I would take somebody with his skill set. Somebody strong against the run, with solid pass rush skills. The guy is unlikely to be a star, but a guy that can definitely play and give you snaps. If Josh stays, there is no need and you just develop your depth, while rotating Traore, Burnham Young.

NB: 1
Despite the number of DBs in the secondary room, I'd look at a guy that can compliment Dallas Golden and that can ideally give you some safety reps as well if O'Brien / Pouncey prove incapable of filling the #4 safety role as freshmen. A Khalil Barnes type would be great, but I suspect that it would end up being a guy that would be fine with competing for the starting job with Golden.

K: 1
This one is obvious. Just get the best guy possible. Ideally, somebody with some experience kicking in cold weather if there is somebody credible available.

Ideally, the 2-deep would look something like this...

QB: CJ Carr
2. Portal Addition

RB: Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition
2. Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition

BWR: Nick Marsh or KJ Duff
2. Micah Gilbert or Cam Williams

FWR: Jordan Faison
2. Elijah Burress

Slot: Jaden Greathouse
2. KK Smith or Logan Saldate

TE: Cooper Flanagan
2. James Flanigan or Ian Premer

LT: Anthonie Knapp
2. Will Black

LG: Billy Schrauth**
2. Sullivan Absher

C: Ashton Craig or Joe Otting
2. Ashton Craig or Joe Otting

RG: Charles Jagusah
2. Sullivan Absher

RT: Guerby Lambert
2. Will Black

DE: Bryce Young
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

NG: Jason Onye**
2. Elijah Hughes or Armel Mukam

DT: Mateen Ibirogba
2. Donovan Hinish or Chris Burgess

DE: Boubacar Traore
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

LB: Drayk Bowen
2. Madden Faraimo or Jaylen Sneed**

LB: KVA**
2. Jaiden Ausberry or Jaylen Sneed**

NB: Dallas Golden or Portal Addition
2. Dallas Golden or Portal Addition

CB: Leonard Moore
2. Khary Adams

CB: Christian Gray
2. Mark Zackery

S: Adon Shuler
2. Luke Talich

S: Tae Johnson
2. Joey O'Brien or Ayden Pouncey

 

[PutuporShutup]

After watching roster developments over the last couple weeks and trying to anticipate what will happen between now and the portal closing, what I would add is the following...

QB: 1
This guy has to be a veteran with some playing experience. It's likely going to be an "ugly", boring addition, but that's because it's somebody that understands that his chances of playing competitive downs are minimal.

RB: 1
I know most people want a Hollywood Smothers type addition, but I actually think there are about 4-5 guys in the portal, or that might enter the portal if ND approaches, that would be willing to time share with the likes of Aneyas Williams, for half of what Smothers would want in rev share / NIL. Some of the names are not sexy, but they're experienced guys, that would be productive behind ND's offensive lines.

WR: 1
This should be a boundary WR, no questions asked. Nick Marsh is obviously at the top of the board. A guy like KJ Duff would fit the bill as well. It has to be a guy with some height / length that can be a downfield threat for Carr, while Gilbert or Williams continue to develop in a #2 role.

DT: 1-2
It's obvious that ND is going to need to add at least one impact player. Ideally, the player would be somebody with some interior pass rush ability. Mateen Ibirogba makes a lot of sense, but a couple other names could arise as well. If Onye can't get another year of eligibility, I'd pursue a second guy.

DE: 0-1
This just comes down to Burnham. If Josh stays, there is no need to go to the portal. If Josh leaves, I would take somebody with his skill set. Somebody strong against the run, with solid pass rush skills. The guy is unlikely to be a star, but a guy that can definitely play and give you snaps. If Josh stays, there is no need and you just develop your depth, while rotating Traore, Burnham Young.

NB: 1
Despite the number of DBs in the secondary room, I'd look at a guy that can compliment Dallas Golden and that can ideally give you some safety reps as well if O'Brien / Pouncey prove incapable of filling the #4 safety role as freshmen. A Khalil Barnes type would be great, but I suspect that it would end up being a guy that would be fine with competing for the starting job with Golden.

K: 1
This one is obvious. Just get the best guy possible. Ideally, somebody with some experience kicking in cold weather if there is somebody credible available.

Ideally, the 2-deep would look something like this...

QB: CJ Carr
2. Portal Addition

RB: Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition
2. Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition

BWR: Nick Marsh or KJ Duff
2. Micah Gilbert or Cam Williams

FWR: Jordan Faison
2. Elijah Burress

Slot: Jaden Greathouse
2. KK Smith or Logan Saldate

TE: Cooper Flanagan
2. James Flanigan or Ian Premer

LT: Anthonie Knapp
2. Will Black

LG: Billy Schrauth**
2. Sullivan Absher

C: Ashton Craig or Joe Otting
2. Ashton Craig or Joe Otting

RG: Charles Jagusah
2. Sullivan Absher

RT: Guerby Lambert
2. Will Black

DE: Bryce Young
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

NG: Jason Onye**
2. Elijah Hughes or Armel Mukam

DT: Mateen Ibirogba
2. Donovan Hinish or Chris Burgess

DE: Boubacar Traore
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

LB: Drayk Bowen
2. Madden Faraimo or Jaylen Sneed**

LB: KVA**
2. Jaiden Ausberry or Jaylen Sneed**

NB: Dallas Golden or Portal Addition
2. Dallas Golden or Portal Addition

CB: Leonard Moore
2. Khary Adams

CB: Christian Gray
2. Mark Zackery

S: Adon Shuler
2. Luke Talich

S: Tae Johnson
2. Joey O'Brien or Ayden Pouncey

Welcome brother! You and I had a lot of good discussions on rivals ND board, I was under a different handle.

I think we absolutely need 2 DTs unless Onye is back. Any word on Dixon? I know he was injured early. Hopefully he improves this spring.

I also think/hope the 2nd corners are Cree Thomas and Adams. I just don't think Zackery is good, he didn't compete this year. Mistakes will happen, like golden made mistakes, but golden competed as well, Zackery did not. I hope one of adams/cree can push gray to ensure he improves his play or gives up snaps.

Hopefully KVA is ready for the start of the season.

On offense, Marsh or Duff are critical. I'm not as worried about RB, but experience would be nice.

I think Flanagan will be listed as starter, but Flanigan will be our most productive TE.

 

[allenm5333]

Welcome brother! You and I had a lot of good discussions on rivals ND board, I was under a different handle.

I think we absolutely need 2 DTs unless Onye is back. Any word on Dixon? I know he was injured early. Hopefully he improves this spring.

I also think/hope the 2nd corners are Cree Thomas and Adams. I just don't think Zackery is good, he didn't compete this year. Mistakes will happen, like golden made mistakes, but golden competed as well, Zackery did not. I hope one of adams/cree can push gray to ensure he improves his play or gives up snaps.

Hopefully KVA is ready for the start of the season.

On offense, Marsh or Duff are critical. I'm not as worried about RB, but experience would be nice.

I think Flanagan will be listed as starter, but Flanigan will be our most productive TE.

Agree with a lot of this. I would reach out to the penn state cb who entered. Also, if the money works, why not Duff and Marsh?

 

[Irishdawg]

Welcome brother! You and I had a lot of good discussions on rivals ND board, I was under a different handle.

I think we absolutely need 2 DTs unless Onye is back. Any word on Dixon? I know he was injured early. Hopefully he improves this spring.

I also think/hope the 2nd corners are Cree Thomas and Adams. I just don't think Zackery is good, he didn't compete this year. Mistakes will happen, like golden made mistakes, but golden competed as well, Zackery did not. I hope one of adams/cree can push gray to ensure he improves his play or gives up snaps.

Hopefully KVA is ready for the start of the season.

On offense, Marsh or Duff are critical. I'm not as worried about RB, but experience would be nice.

I think Flanagan will be listed as starter, but Flanigan will be our most productive TE.

Anyone else think they consider a TE in the portal? Washington back? Larson sticking around?

 

[ndfanatic78]

That's not what he said.

TP said at this time there's no reason to suspect he would transfer, but he did acknowledge that Burnham was unhappy with his playing time when he got healthy and Young was getting snaps.

There is a "fight to keep him" but there's no insinuation that he's ready to transfer. No need to misrepresent things and if JB stays, have the perception be that "insiders were wrong."

Burnham

Burnham

247sports.com

Burnham

Burnham

247sports.com

This is the internet age. Everything gets misrepresented. Language comprehension has gone to shit. Just like Prister supposedly saying Miami should get in the playoff and ND should be left out which he never said.

 

[Rocketman84]

After watching roster developments over the last couple weeks and trying to anticipate what will happen between now and the portal closing, what I would add is the following...

QB: 1
This guy has to be a veteran with some playing experience. It's likely going to be an "ugly", boring addition, but that's because it's somebody that understands that his chances of playing competitive downs are minimal.

RB: 1
I know most people want a Hollywood Smothers type addition, but I actually think there are about 4-5 guys in the portal, or that might enter the portal if ND approaches, that would be willing to time share with the likes of Aneyas Williams, for half of what Smothers would want in rev share / NIL. Some of the names are not sexy, but they're experienced guys, that would be productive behind ND's offensive lines.

WR: 1
This should be a boundary WR, no questions asked. Nick Marsh is obviously at the top of the board. A guy like KJ Duff would fit the bill as well. It has to be a guy with some height / length that can be a downfield threat for Carr, while Gilbert or Williams continue to develop in a #2 role.

DT: 1-2
It's obvious that ND is going to need to add at least one impact player. Ideally, the player would be somebody with some interior pass rush ability. Mateen Ibirogba makes a lot of sense, but a couple other names could arise as well. If Onye can't get another year of eligibility, I'd pursue a second guy.

DE: 0-1
This just comes down to Burnham. If Josh stays, there is no need to go to the portal. If Josh leaves, I would take somebody with his skill set. Somebody strong against the run, with solid pass rush skills. The guy is unlikely to be a star, but a guy that can definitely play and give you snaps. If Josh stays, there is no need and you just develop your depth, while rotating Traore, Burnham Young.

NB: 1
Despite the number of DBs in the secondary room, I'd look at a guy that can compliment Dallas Golden and that can ideally give you some safety reps as well if O'Brien / Pouncey prove incapable of filling the #4 safety role as freshmen. A Khalil Barnes type would be great, but I suspect that it would end up being a guy that would be fine with competing for the starting job with Golden.

K: 1
This one is obvious. Just get the best guy possible. Ideally, somebody with some experience kicking in cold weather if there is somebody credible available.

Ideally, the 2-deep would look something like this...

QB: CJ Carr
2. Portal Addition

RB: Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition
2. Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition

BWR: Nick Marsh or KJ Duff
2. Micah Gilbert or Cam Williams

FWR: Jordan Faison
2. Elijah Burress

Slot: Jaden Greathouse
2. KK Smith or Logan Saldate

TE: Cooper Flanagan
2. James Flanigan or Ian Premer

LT: Anthonie Knapp
2. Will Black

LG: Billy Schrauth**
2. Sullivan Absher

C: Ashton Craig or Joe Otting
2. Ashton Craig or Joe Otting

RG: Charles Jagusah
2. Sullivan Absher

RT: Guerby Lambert
2. Will Black

DE: Bryce Young
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

NG: Jason Onye**
2. Elijah Hughes or Armel Mukam

DT: Mateen Ibirogba
2. Donovan Hinish or Chris Burgess

DE: Boubacar Traore
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

LB: Drayk Bowen
2. Madden Faraimo or Jaylen Sneed**

LB: KVA**
2. Jaiden Ausberry or Jaylen Sneed**

NB: Dallas Golden or Portal Addition
2. Dallas Golden or Portal Addition

CB: Leonard Moore
2. Khary Adams

CB: Christian Gray
2. Mark Zackery

S: Adon Shuler
2. Luke Talich

S: Tae Johnson
2. Joey O'Brien or Ayden Pouncey

Onye or no Onye, I think we need two bodies at this point who can contribute. A solid pass rusher and a elite run stopper.

 

[EvilleIrish]

Prister with a film review on Chaz Coleman. Just teasing us.

 

[RudyVerse]

We are losing Onye, Rubio, and Dawson, our 3 best interior DL. We need a minimum of 2.

 

[NDMatt91]

Prister with a film review on Chaz Coleman. Just teasing us.

Unlike his film reviews for HS players that are very likely to end up at ND, I think he's just doing film reviews on players that ND could reach out to and that he'd like to see them get.

 

[JamIrish]

Khalil Barnes would be a top of the board guy for me. Other than WR and DL I think he brings a lot of value to the roster. Experienced guy who can get reps at nickel and be a part of the safety rotation.

 

[PolishDomer]

Onye or no Onye, I think we need two bodies at this point who can contribute. A solid pass rusher and a elite run stopper.

 

[FWIrish4]

Unlike his film reviews for HS players that are very likely to end up at ND, I think he's just doing film reviews on players that ND could reach out to and that he'd like to see them get.

Yeah, if I recall his famous transfer one was Braden Fiske who ended up at FSU. Prister was incredibly high on him and wanted him at ND

 

[dublinirish]

its not like Prister got any games to cover or anything he might as well be doing film reviews for clicks

 

[rtrn2glory]

Can someone with better knowledge of the calendar explain to me.... Do players have until January 2nd to enter the portal or that's the first day they can sign in the portal?

 

[IRISHbluehen]

Can someone with better knowledge of the calendar explain to me.... Do players have until January 2nd to enter the portal or that's the first day they can sign in the portal?

Jan 2 is the first day that they can officially enter the portal. At this point they're "verbally committing " to entering the portal once it opens. I would say they are filing pre-paperwork but I believe it's obviously all virtual.

 

[NDWarrior]

It does seem confusing, but here are the official new rules per this article which references the ESPN 10/7/2025 announcement of the new rules:

ESPN reports that college football players, including graduate transfers, must now wait until Jan 2 to officially enter their names in the NCAA transfer portal and begin contacting other schools.

🔹 The new 15-day window runs Jan 2 – 16, opening one day after the CFP quarterfinals conclude.
🔹 Players on the two CFP national-championship teams playing Jan 19 will have an additional 5-day period — Jan 20-24 — to enter the portal after their season ends.
🔹 The spring football transfer window has been eliminated, leaving football with one offseason period for all transfer activity.

For sure, I think a lot of players are entering via the HC change rule; maybe the portal is just taking note of who intends to enter the portal now prior to 1/2/2026 which I am sure is the first date signing can happen.

But again, is a bit confusing

 

[allenm5333]

It does seem confusing, but here are the official new rules per this article which references the ESPN 10/7/2025 announcement of the new rules:

ESPN reports that college football players, including graduate transfers, must now wait until Jan 2 to officially enter their names in the NCAA transfer portal and begin contacting other schools.

🔹 The new 15-day window runs Jan 2 – 16, opening one day after the CFP quarterfinals conclude.
🔹 Players on the two CFP national-championship teams playing Jan 19 will have an additional 5-day period — Jan 20-24 — to enter the portal after their season ends.
🔹 The spring football transfer window has been eliminated, leaving football with one offseason period for all transfer activity.

For sure, I think a lot of players are entering via the HC change rule; maybe the portal is just taking note of who intends to enter the portal now prior to 1/2/2026 which I am sure is the first date signing can happen.

But again, is a bit confusing

Also, players who experience a coaching change can enter 5 days after a new hire for a 15 day window (i believe)

 

[NDWarrior]

DT TP Alert! Interesting, he had the highest pass rush win rate among Big12 DTs, whatever that is? Good size

 

[SeekNDestroy]

After watching roster developments over the last couple weeks and trying to anticipate what will happen between now and the portal closing, what I would add is the following...

QB: 1
This guy has to be a veteran with some playing experience. It's likely going to be an "ugly", boring addition, but that's because it's somebody that understands that his chances of playing competitive downs are minimal.

RB: 1
I know most people want a Hollywood Smothers type addition, but I actually think there are about 4-5 guys in the portal, or that might enter the portal if ND approaches, that would be willing to time share with the likes of Aneyas Williams, for half of what Smothers would want in rev share / NIL. Some of the names are not sexy, but they're experienced guys, that would be productive behind ND's offensive lines.

WR: 1
This should be a boundary WR, no questions asked. Nick Marsh is obviously at the top of the board. A guy like KJ Duff would fit the bill as well. It has to be a guy with some height / length that can be a downfield threat for Carr, while Gilbert or Williams continue to develop in a #2 role.

DT: 1-2
It's obvious that ND is going to need to add at least one impact player. Ideally, the player would be somebody with some interior pass rush ability. Mateen Ibirogba makes a lot of sense, but a couple other names could arise as well. If Onye can't get another year of eligibility, I'd pursue a second guy.

DE: 0-1
This just comes down to Burnham. If Josh stays, there is no need to go to the portal. If Josh leaves, I would take somebody with his skill set. Somebody strong against the run, with solid pass rush skills. The guy is unlikely to be a star, but a guy that can definitely play and give you snaps. If Josh stays, there is no need and you just develop your depth, while rotating Traore, Burnham Young.

NB: 1
Despite the number of DBs in the secondary room, I'd look at a guy that can compliment Dallas Golden and that can ideally give you some safety reps as well if O'Brien / Pouncey prove incapable of filling the #4 safety role as freshmen. A Khalil Barnes type would be great, but I suspect that it would end up being a guy that would be fine with competing for the starting job with Golden.

K: 1
This one is obvious. Just get the best guy possible. Ideally, somebody with some experience kicking in cold weather if there is somebody credible available.

Ideally, the 2-deep would look something like this...

QB: CJ Carr
2. Portal Addition

RB: Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition
2. Aneyas Williams or Portal Addition

BWR: Nick Marsh or KJ Duff
2. Micah Gilbert or Cam Williams

FWR: Jordan Faison
2. Elijah Burress

Slot: Jaden Greathouse
2. KK Smith or Logan Saldate

TE: Cooper Flanagan
2. James Flanigan or Ian Premer

LT: Anthonie Knapp
2. Will Black

LG: Billy Schrauth**
2. Sullivan Absher

C: Ashton Craig or Joe Otting
2. Ashton Craig or Joe Otting

RG: Charles Jagusah
2. Sullivan Absher

RT: Guerby Lambert
2. Will Black

DE: Bryce Young
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

NG: Jason Onye**
2. Elijah Hughes or Armel Mukam

DT: Mateen Ibirogba
2. Donovan Hinish or Chris Burgess

DE: Boubacar Traore
2. Josh Burnham or Portal Addition

LB: Drayk Bowen
2. Madden Faraimo or Jaylen Sneed**

LB: KVA**
2. Jaiden Ausberry or Jaylen Sneed**

NB: Dallas Golden or Portal Addition
2. Dallas Golden or Portal Addition

CB: Leonard Moore
2. Khary Adams

CB: Christian Gray
2. Mark Zackery

S: Adon Shuler
2. Luke Talich

S: Tae Johnson
2. Joey O'Brien or Ayden Pouncey

You were literally the only reason I checked the rivals Notre Dame board. I look forward to reading your thoughts and opinions again.

 

[PolishDomer]

DT TP Alert! Interesting, he had the highest pass rush win rate among Big12 DTs, whatever that is? Good size

 

[IrishInOntario]

You were literally the only reason I checked the rivals Notre Dame board. I look forward to reading your thoughts and opinions again.

Thanks man! Looking forward to corresponding with you as well. I've been busy coaching college ball for the last few years and have been away from posting. That said, I've remained a lurker on a few boards and felt like it was time to start contributing again.

 

[PolishDomer]

Thanks man! Looking forward to corresponding with you as well. I've been busy coaching college ball for the last few years and have been away from posting. That said, I've remained a lurker on a few boards and felt like it was time to start contributing again.

I would like clarification...which flag waves in the wind at your local city hall?

 

[irish4ever]

I don't care who it is, but I want the Irish to get the badest sum bitch there is in the portal to wreak havoc in the middle of the DLine!

 

[SDIrishFan]

I don't care who it is, but I want the Irish to get the badest sum bitch there is in the portal to wreak havoc in the middle of the DLine!

Even better, I want them to identify two of the baddest som' bitches out there, portal or not, tamper with their asses, and get them to come to ND.

 

[Bluto]

Wonder why Scrap Richardson might enter the portal. Thought he would stay for at least one more year.

Not scrappy enough?

He might just be another overrated WR recruit relegated to the scrap heap of history?

I’ll show myself out…

 

[Bluto]

Our backup QB? Oh boy that’s not good.

Obviously MF wanting to avoid a QB controversy and be able to go into fall camp with a clear number 1.