2026 ND Portal Targets

allenm5333 · Jan 3, 2026

do we have a leaked kicker name?

Dale · Jan 3, 2026

O’Malley said (Brice said) ND is looking at a FCS addition as backup QB

Dale · Jan 3, 2026

Harvard kid Craig is too good, Mercer QB has multi year eligibility but likely looking to start. Don’t know anyone besides that

notredomer23 · Jan 3, 2026

Taron Dickens would be my pick— can finish up his degree this year/redshirt and then actually compete for the job in ‘27.

IrishInOntario · Jan 3, 2026

BrooklynDomer said:
I’m pretty sure my 3 year old knows more about football than Ryan Roberts.

Not saying Thompson is a stud, but with Burnham leaving, there is a need for a quality run stopping DE. He’s had 6.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks last year, and has played a lot of football in 3 seasons. He would be a solid signing. And oh yeah, he visits Texas A&M first, so he’s clearly well thought of by other top programs.

My guess is that Roberts doesn't hate the player, he simply doesn't bring what Roberts is looking for. I believe I heard him say that he wants an extra pass rusher to replace Burnham. Viewed through that lens, Thompson probably doesn't give you a whole lot.

But I don't think ND and Roberts see it there same way. I think they most valued Burnham and Tuihalamaka for their play against the run and are looking for a player that can help them in that aspect. I suspect that ND will generate a lot more secondary pressure with their linebackers next year. You bring back KVA and Snead and I suspect that both will be coming off the edge quite a bit. I also suspect that they are anticipating 10-15 pas rush snaps out of Rodney Dunham each week. If not right away, certainly by the middle point in the season.

Overall, I think ND feels better about their pass rush than Roberts does and the two parties are thinking about different players.

IAIrish · Jan 3, 2026

IrishInOntario said:
My guess is that Roberts doesn't hate the player, he simply doesn't bring what Roberts is looking for. I believe I heard him say that he wants an extra pass rusher to replace Burnham. Viewed through that lens, Thompson probably doesn't give you a whole lot.

But I don't think ND and Roberts see it there same way. I think they most valued Burnham and Tuihalamaka for their play against the run and are looking for a player that can help them in that aspect. I suspect that ND will generate a lot more secondary pressure with their linebackers next year. You bring back KVA and Snead and I suspect that both will be coming off the edge quite a bit. I also suspect that they are anticipating 10-15 pas rush snaps out of Rodney Dunham each week. If not right away, certainly by the middle point in the season.

Overall, I think ND feels better about their pass rush than Roberts does and the two parties are thinking about different players.

Agree, Ontario. Although, KVA won't likely be in that role until October and Sneed's work volume is likely set to increase at will backer as a result. Does Madden Faraimo get some run to pass rush too?

I remain hopeful Loghan Thomas adds 20 lbs and becomes the 2nd pass rusher many thought he'd be. Who knows, perhaps the longer offseason is what the weight doctor ordered. And he becomes Partidge's pet project.

Then there's Dunham who will be as hyped as any edge we've had since Aaron Lynch. I'm curious what Ewetade weighs at spring then fall. Kid was rail thin but that first step had me thinking he was jumping offsides half the time... So damn explosive.

IrishInOntario · Jan 3, 2026

IAIrish said:
Agree, Ontario. Although, KVA won't likely be in that role until October and Sneed's work volume is likely set to increase at will backer as a result. Does Madden Faraimo get some run to pass rush too?

I remain hopeful Loghan Thomas adds 20 lbs and becomes the 2nd pass rusher many thought he'd be. Who knows, perhaps the longer offseason is what the weight doctor ordered. And he becomes Partidge's pet project.

Then there's Dunham who will be as hyped as any edge we've had since Aaron Lynch. I'm curious what Ewetade weighs at spring then fall. Kid was rail thin but that first step had me thinking he was jumping offsides half the time... So damn explosive.

Yeah, lots of pass rush options. To your point regarding Loghan Thomas, even if he adds the weight and becomes the clear cut #2 DE, I think his role next year is clearly to play 25'ish snaps per game in relief of Boubacar Traore at the WDE position. I doubt they're on the field at the same time very often. ND will get a good look at him playing WDE to see if he's worth investing in for 2027, in anticipation of Traore going pro.

choo choo · Jan 3, 2026

KPENN said:
Can we unban 2008 and ban you instead?

Troll

LifelongFan · Jan 3, 2026

Dale said:
Harvard kid Craig is too good, Mercer QB has multi year eligibility but likely looking to start. Don’t know anyone besides that

I wonder if it would really be D2 like Chambliss.

Calabrese's People · Jan 4, 2026

Dale said:
O’Malley said (Brice said) ND is looking at a FCS addition as backup QB

Hey Bryce Schondelmyer, come on down.

Rocketman84 · Jan 4, 2026

notredomer23 said:
Upcoming Transfer Visitor

Upcoming Transfer Visitor

247sports.com

Iowa State WR Xavier Townsend is visiting. This would be a Jayden Harrison like pull. Kick returner and reserve receiver

Except Harrison was an AA Return man, this guy is a subpar WR and above average returner but nothing special. If we decide to take a WR his size I would think they would be alot more productive.

Rocketman84 · Jan 4, 2026

OrlaNDomer said:
X Townsend was electric at UCF. Gus never gave him enough touches.

🙄🙄Roughly 160-170 touches and 5 TDs, don't know if electric is the word.

OrlaNDomer · Jan 4, 2026

Rocketman84 said:
🙄🙄Roughly 160-170 touches and 5 TDs, don't know if electric is the word.

He was a big loss at the time for UCF. Is he good enough for ND? Maybe not. He also returns punts though.

BrooklynDomer · Jan 4, 2026

Rocketman84 said:
🙄🙄Roughly 160-170 touches and 5 TDs, don't know if electric is the word.

I don’t know. The guy has lots of experience returning punts and kickoffs. We lose Price, and I would rather Faison focus on being a WR. He also has 37 carries, maybe he’s being looked at as a 3rd down RB. As long as he’s not being allocated a lot of money, I see no downside to adding someone with his skillset.

ND88 · Jan 4, 2026

Freeman confirms devotion to ND and battles terrible townies, reputable NFL DL coach hired, Evil with the temp ban and possible perma, likely have a kicker for next year, Granger still in the mix for neighbor of the year... let's keep the good news rolling with some big transfer commits.

NDPhilly · Jan 4, 2026

As with previous years, If you check the recent follows for our recruiting staff / assistants on X you’ll find some names we’re likely targeting. Here’s some that have multiple staff follows which would seem to indicate they are a priority, outside of the Wake DT, Marsh, and the ISU CB:

Brody Foley - TE - Tulsa
Stephiylan Green - DT - Clemson
Bryce Butler - DT - Washington
Cam Sidney - CB - Cal
Reed Harris - WR - BC
Sahir West - DE - JMU
Justin Eaglin - CB - JMU
Jalen Thomson - DE - Michigan State

GrangerIrish24 · Jan 4, 2026

ND88 said:
Freeman confirms devotion to ND and battles terrible townies, reputable NFL DL coach hired, Evil with the temp ban and possible perma, likely have a kicker for next year, Granger still in the mix for neighbor of the year... let's keep the good news rolling with some big transfer commits.

BrooklynDomer · Jan 4, 2026

Well, here is the FCS QB…

RudyVerse · Jan 4, 2026

BrooklynDomer said:
Well, here is the FCS QB…

Don’t like that arm angle. Looks like a limp noodle. Rees without the police incident vibes.

arrowryan · Jan 4, 2026

Going to be just a sophomore? I like that. Definitely gives him the chance to win the job in 27.

BrooklynDomer · Jan 4, 2026

RudyVerse said:
Don’t like that arm angle. Looks like a limp noodle. Rees without the police incident vibes.

lol, you’ve based your opinion on him from a still photo posted on X? I have no idea how good he is, but he won the award as the top freshman in FCS and threw for over 3600 yards as a true freshman. FBS is certainly a different level, but not sure you can establish he’s a bust based on a photo. He would have a lot more game experience than Hebert or Grubbs.

Irishdawg · Jan 4, 2026

NDPhilly said:
As with previous years, If you check the recent follows for our recruiting staff / assistants on X you’ll find some names we’re likely targeting. Here’s some that have multiple staff follows which would seem to indicate they are a priority, outside of the Wake DT, Marsh, and the ISU CB:

Brody Foley - TE - Tulsa
Stephiylan Green - DT - Clemson
Bryce Butler - DT - Washington
Cam Sidney - CB - Cal
Reed Harris - WR - BC
Sahir West - DE - JMU
Justin Eaglin - CB - JMU
Jalen Thomson - DE - Michigan State

Any Kicker follows?

FightingIrishLover7 · Jan 4, 2026

Is eville from Evansville?
Because I've long said that southern Indiana inbred bastard town belongs to Kentucky

RudyVerse · Jan 4, 2026

BrooklynDomer said:
lol, you’ve based your opinion on him from a still photo posted on X? I have no idea how good he is, but he won the award as the top freshman in FCS and threw for over 3600 yards as a true freshman. FBS is certainly a different level, but not sure you can establish he’s a bust based on a photo. He would have a lot more game experience than Hebert or Grubbs.

Yes man I’m just being funny.

FightingIrishLover7 · Jan 4, 2026

Prister with a Xavier Gilman in the film room

BrooklynDomer · Jan 4, 2026

RudyVerse said:
Yes man I’m just being funny.

Okay, phew! Haha.

Like I said, no idea if he’s actually good or not. FCS scares me. But the fact he was so successful as a true freshman makes me think he could be worth a shot.

Kingbish01 · Jan 4, 2026

BrooklynDomer said:
Well, here is the FCS QB…

Almost seems too good to just stop his growth path to sit on a bench...even at ND. I'd think he'd go low level, play and try to be the next Chambliss.

IrishInOntario · Jan 4, 2026

NDPhilly said:
As with previous years, If you check the recent follows for our recruiting staff / assistants on X you’ll find some names we’re likely targeting. Here’s some that have multiple staff follows which would seem to indicate they are a priority, outside of the Wake DT, Marsh, and the ISU CB:

Brody Foley - TE - Tulsa
Stephiylan Green - DT - Clemson
Bryce Butler - DT - Washington
Cam Sidney - CB - Cal
Reed Harris - WR - BC
Sahir West - DE - JMU
Justin Eaglin - CB - JMU
Jalen Thomson - DE - Michigan State

Definitely some names I like there.

Now that we're a couple days into the Portal and the options are taking shape, I've created a 2-deep at each position outside of backup QB that I would like to see ND prioritize. I'm trying to keep it realistic of course, based on guys that I feel would consider ND. I'm anticipating ND taking approximately 10 players in this cycle.

Defensive Tackle
1. Mateen Igbirogba (Wake Forest)
2. Alex VanSumeren (Michigan State)
3. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)

Defensive End
1. Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State)
2. Jalen Thompson (Michigan State)
3. Adam Trick (Miami, OH)

Nickel
1. Jontez Williams (Iowa State)
2. Cam Sidney (California)
3. Khalil Barnes (Clemson)

Wide Receiver
1. Nick Marsh (Michigan State)
2. Ian Strong (Rutgers)
3. Jaylen Mbakwe (Alabama)

Running Back
1. Wayne Knight (James Madison)
2. Cam Edwards (UCONN)
3. Richard Young (Alabama)

Tight End
1. Brody Foley (Tulsa)
2. Andrew Olesh (Penn State)
3. Brady Prieskorn (Michigan)

Kicker
1. David Olano (Illinois)
2. Luca Lombardo (Boston College)
3. David Kemp (Minnesota)

Quarterback
1. TBD
2. TBD
3. TBD

Obviously my list is subject to change as new names enter the Portal and others are eliminated. I also did not include what I consider to be "luxury" players in which ND takes a specific player because he's too good to turn down, ala a Joe Brunner type at OG.

Dale · Jan 4, 2026

BrooklynDomer said:
Well, here is the FCS QB…

Jerry Rice Award winner last year was a RB that went to Miami. Was RB2 early in the year and now RB3

Might be to our benefit they played Auburn late in the year and got a little humble pie, may be willing to think he’s not gonna set P4 on fire right away

pumpdog20 · Jan 4, 2026

Dale said:
Jerry Rice Award winner last year was a RB that went to Miami. Was RB2 early in the year and now RB3

Might be to our benefit they played Auburn late in the year and got a little humble pie, may be willing to think he’s not gonna set P4 on fire right away

For some reason I thought the jerry rice winner last year was the QB that went to iowa.

2026 ND Portal Targets

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