Notre Dame OL Sam Pendleton Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Notre Dame sophomore guard Sam Pendleton has entered the Transfer Portal, according to an ISD source. 

Pendleton made a quick rise up Notre Dame’s depth chart during fall camp as he beat out Rocco Spindler for the left guard position and held it through the first seven games of the season. Joe Rudolph made a move to start Spindler and Billy Schrauth, who was returning from an ankle injury in game eight. 

From there, Pendleton did see time on special teams and in a reserves role. Against Indiana, Pendleton did play a significant role in the second half when Spindler went down with an injury and helped the Irish offense ran for 193 rushing yards. 

Offensive line coordinator Mike Denbrock loved Pendleton’s toughness, which gave him the confidence he roll a first-time starter to the wolves of Kyle Field in week one. 

“The type of toughness and lead by example, physicality, kind of that aura that you want surrounding your offensive line, I think he embodies that very well,” said Denbrock. “He kind of helps bring that to the other guys on the line, if you will, along with those other two guys that are out playing on the inside.” 

As a freshman, Pendleton redshirted as he saw time against Pitt and Stanford to preserve his redshirt year. 

During his recruitment, Pendleton didn’t release a top group and embodied who recruited him from Notre Dame: Harry Hiestand. Pendleton committed early and never strayed from his commitment as he helped land Sullivan Absher and Chares Jagusah in the class. 

The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder does have a non-contact tag on his name in the portal, which means he doesn’t want schools reaching out to him. Right now, I would consider Tennessee a program to watch for the North Carolina native. 

Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD

Notre Dame Fighting Irish 24oz. Replay Powder Coat Tumbler