Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame Confident in Roster as Transfer Window Opens
The NCAA spring transfer portal window is officially open from April 16 to April 25, and as always, it’s a time of transition across college football.
For Notre Dame, some roster movement is inevitable, particularly after the conclusion of spring practices. Players now have a clearer view of where they stand on the depth chart, and for those buried behind others, the portal offers a fresh start.
Head coach Marcus Freeman, entering his fourth season at the helm, has seen this cycle before. The conversations at this time of the year aren’t new to him and Freeman isn’t in panic mode.
“If a guy on our current roster is interested in getting into the portal, I’m sure we’ll have those conversations,” stated Freeman. “At the end of the day, we’ll figure out what’s best for them and us.”
A year ago, Notre Dame needed depth at cornerback. Ryan Barnes, Micah Bell and Clarence Lewis left the program. The Irish hosted Tre’Shone Devones (Rice) and offered West Virginia transfer Montre Miller, but decided against taking a corner when push came to shove.
Could they have used the extra body? Absolutely. Notre Dame played with fire for much of the year as Christian Gray and Leonard Moore rarely came off the field after the injury to All-American Benjamin Morrison.
Unlike programs scrambling to fill roster holes or shore up holes, Notre Dame enters this portal window in a strong position. The Irish aren’t entering this portal window actively pursuing additions.
“We’re not actively seeking to add to our roster,” explained Freeman. “We’re really happy with what we have. If something comes to our attention and we see it adds value to our roster and our program, then we have to have a conversation about it.”
Quarterback, running back, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker and the secondary appear to be set, which includes young talent behind veterans.
Notre Dame’s tight end numbers were short this spring, but they’ll get two more in the summer with Arkansas grad transfer Ty Washington and freshman James Flanigan.
The receiver room has numbers, but lacks some veteran presence. Junior Jaden Greathouse is the leader of the room, while Wisconsin grad transfer Will Pauling has stepped into a leadership role. Virginia grad transfer Malachi Fields will arrive in June.
Freeman’s program could probably use another veteran receiver at either outside position, but they’d have to bring established production, which isn’t always available in this portal window.
It’s the ideal position to be in. Several teams need to add large numbers to fill out rosters. Notre Dame will be a playoff contender if they don’t add to the roster, but they also need to make sure a starter or key player doesn’t get tempted by greener pastures, which is always possible in the NIL world.
“There’s nothing intentional right now about these upcoming weeks,” said Freeman. “We’re going to practice, be together, work and if somebody decides to go into the portal, then we’ll adapt and adjust.”
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