Notre Dame DT Aidan Keanaaina to Enter Transfer Portal
On Tuesday, Notre Dame senior defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
“After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with my two years of eligibility,” Keanaaina wrote in a post on social media. “I love Notre Dame, and I love this team. But I also have to do what is best for me and my future.”
The 6-3, 309-pound reserve nose guard played 40 snaps over the course of six games this fall, registering seven tackles, 1.5 TFLs and 0.5 sacks. After four years in South Bend, he recorded 11 tackles, 1.5 TFLs and 0.5 sacks.
There’s a good chance Keanaaina would’ve remained buried on the depth chart in 2024. He’s currently behind second-string junior tackles Jason Onye and Gabriel Rubio, as well as sophomore Donovan Hinish.
Plus, freshman Devan Houstan is started to show signs that he’ll be a productive player in the near future.
Of course, first-string nose guard Howard Cross III may return for a sixth season, making it nearly impossible for Keanaaina to earn playing time.
“Even as I enter the portal, I will always have a place in my heart for Notre Dame, and I will always be a part of the Fighting Irish family,” Keanaaina wrote. “I wish nothing but the best for my brothers and my coaches. I hope they continue to dominate and make history.
“Thank you, Notre Dame, for everything. You will always be in my prayers.”
Still, many expected him to transfer a year ago, but he stuck it out and fought hard in practice to prove himself.
“Aidan just can’t be moved,” Cross III said last month. “I’d probably say he’s like another version of Kurt [Hinish], but probably better because Kurt doesn’t move at all. Even in the league now, he doesn’t move, and Aidan doesn’t move either. He’s actually pretty good on pass rush, too.”
He’s the second Fighting Irish defensive player — and fourth overall — to declare their intent to transfer since the team’s 56-23 victory over Stanford in the regular-season finale on Saturday.
“I want to start by thanking God for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love and for blessing me with the talent and the drive to pursue my dreams,” Keanaaina wrote. “I also want to thank Coach Freeman, Coach Washington and the entire coaching staff for believing in me and helping me grow as a player and a person. I am grateful for the support and guidance they have given me throughout my time at Notre Dame.
“To my teammates, who have become my brothers for life, thank you for pushing me, challenging me and inspiring me every day. I have learned so much from them, both on and off the field. I will always cherish the memories we have made together.
“Lastly, I want to thank the fans, the alumni and the administration for their unwavering love and loyalty. Notre Dame is a special place, and I am honored to have been a part of the tradition and this community. I will always be proud to say that I am a Notre Dame man.”