2026 ND Portal Targets

[NDWarrior]

Perhaps the only countering of this is to target P4 players for positions of need who have been productive but who value school/degree/classroom; players who are productive but are from G5 and even D2, and who may value a chance to play for a CFP contender, get more (decent) pay, and value education; and P4 players with high potential but little experience who want more playing time and who see what their potential can be with ND (Mylan Graham a perfect example so maybe we should target more high potential P4 DTs, for example). I just see ND having a hard time having a high hit rate with the Gilliam, Brewu, Marsh, and Coleman P4 players of the world.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

I may go back and read through the NIU gameday thread to cheer me up. This one is depressing.

 

[NDpendent]

Brutal brutal loss.

Commence board freak out

I know you were accused of being Bruce earlier but I'm starting to think you are Horka

 

[JamIrish]

How exactly would you like the beat to put lipstick on this pig?

They don't need to...it is what it is. Just report it, it's similar to all them promoting how Freeman is probably gone after next year...and if ND has a hard time getting kids to commit in '27 they are going to wonder why. I'm just pointing out that things like that might be the reason they've been out of the loop.

 

[NDWarrior]

Perhaps the only countering of this is to target P4 players for positions of need who have been productive but who value school/degree/classroom; G5 who are productive but are from G5 and even D2 and who may value a chance to play for a CFP contender, get more (decent) pay, and value education. I just see ND having a hard time having a high hit rate with the Gilliam, Brewu, Marsh, and Coleman P4 players of the world.

And I would add continue to get top coaches (NFL exp. should really be attractive) to emphasize messaging that states that our coaches will develop you and do all they can to get you to the NFL; and of course keep winning and making the CFP (ideally, start winning some championships!)

 

[Dale]

ND in play for Michigan DB Jayden Sanders per Blue Sam.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

I’m sure Partridge can get 16 tackles and half a sack from someone currently on the roster. Let’s see what the next wave brings.

 

[Dale]

Of course II has no idea

Jayden Sanders to the Portal

Jayden Sanders to the Portal

247sports.com

Jayden Saunders

Jayden Saunders

247sports.com

 

[rtrn2glory]

I have no doubt that the roster will have DTs.....I just hope it's at worst Jared Dawson and Rubio quality

 

[Blazers46]

I don’t really see why current players would leave. They’re a loaded team and are paid very handsomely.

They are quite literally 2 DTs away from having probably top 3 odds to win the natty next year. Idk the specific reasons why they are having issues. They are so damn close, but of course they’re going to shoot themselves in the foot. It’s disheartening to witness.

The first bolded you answered with the last bolded. I’m not saying anyone “wants” to leave but damn… if we can see it, they can too. Why would anyone that wants a championship feel they have to stay?

 

[Dale]

Interesting. Sanders would basically replace Cree Thomas and upgrade. Started 2 games this year as a true freshman. Definitely Mickens type

 

[rtrn2glory]

Another blast from the past

 

[Blazers46]

They just misjudged the importance of being the first visit. A big oof, yes.

For some maybe but it’s not like visits aren’t happening.

 

[arrowryan]

Interesting. Sanders would basically replace Cree Thomas. Started 2 games this year as a true freshman. Definitely Mickens type

Any chance he could add 100 pounds?

 

[notredomer23]

Interesting. Sanders would basically replace Cree Thomas. Started 2 games this year as a true freshman. Definitely Mickens type

I know Michigan fans were very high on him and sad to see him go. Surprised he didn’t have an offerout of HS, even if not actionable, because this is the build Mickens loves.

 

[MacIrish75]

Don’t mind me just trying to sit over here and be patient and trust the process

 

[NDPhilly]

We are going to lose our two starting CBs next year. It makes sense to try to get ahead of that so we aren’t in the position we are in the DTs. Difference is we have legit talent there that just needs seasoning.

 

[BigOunce]

Any chance he could add 100 pounds?

 

[NDPhilly]

Jayden Sanders, Kilgore , Cornerback

Also plays basketball and competes in track and field. Ran a 52.68 400 and high jumped 5-10 as a sophomore. ----- 2023: Three-phase standout as a junior,...

247sports.com

FWIW Sanders officialed to Vandy and had a Northwestern offer. Seemingly a fit.

 

[MacIrish75]

Jayden Sanders, Kilgore , Cornerback

Also plays basketball and competes in track and field. Ran a 52.68 400 and high jumped 5-10 as a sophomore. ----- 2023: Three-phase standout as a junior,...

247sports.com

FWIW Sanders officialed to Vandy and had a Northwestern offer. Seemingly a fit.

Yeah but what’s his take on in-person classes?

 

[NYDOMER]

2008 is 100% in crisis right now

 

[SDIrishFan]

2008 is 100% in crisis right now

Uhhhh… I think we’re all approaching crisis at this point

 

[CoozeND]

Word on the street is MF needs a new desk, the original now resides in his wall. He is currently working from a card table.

 

[Dale]

We are going to lose our two starting CBs next year. It makes sense to try to get ahead of that so we aren’t in the position we are in the DTs. Difference is we have legit talent there that just needs seasoning.

For all Mickens does well, not having a CB3 last year hurt. And Mickey leaving the year prior

 

[rtrn2glory]

Uhhhh… I think we’re all approaching crisis at this point

Yeah where ever 08 is at isn't on the same planet to how were reacting lol

 

[Sea Turtle]

That isn’t new and ND had no trouble in the portal the previous cycles. Enough of the excuses.

It didn't help that ND threw a temper tantrum and declined to play a bowl game, Marcus Freeman took a two week vacation after playoff announcement out of country and took another week to declare he was staying with ND.

This stuff puts you behind other schools in the process. ND thought they had 'arrived' in modern cfb and looks very complacent.

 

[IrishBoognish]

Uhhhh… I think we’re all approaching crisis at this point

Sampson said on the II pod that the message boards resemble when ND is down 10-0 in the 2nd quarter. Complete hysteria like we're definitely gonna lose and everyone needs to cool their jets because theres plenty of game left and ND wins far more often than not.

Hes not wrong. But now it feels like we're down 13-0 with 3 minutes left in the half.

 

[arndtjc]

I will feel a ton better if Mukam signs back up and Onye is granted another year. I think that would shore up a lot of my personal concern. I believe both can be impact players on the DL

I will reserve full judgement until all playoff teams are done and their portal period is over. ND’s current situation has to be attractive for guys who want to win and either just did or just missed out on winning

EDIT: also fully confident in what they’ve brought in the last couple cycles. I think Sevillano and Burgess are going to be ready to compete. Wish we could have gotten one more year out of Rubio and Dawson

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

I think we are approaching unserious program status

Just stop dude. Enough already.

 

[Blazers46]

It didn't help that ND threw a temper tantrum and declined to play a bowl game, Marcus Freeman took a two week vacation after playoff announcement out of country and took another week to declare he was staying with ND.

This stuff puts you behind other schools in the process. ND thought they had 'arrived' in modern cfb and looks very complacent.

If you make a stand then you have to back it up. Instead… vacation and NFL interviews.