Kicker Spencer Porath Embraces Notre Dame Academics, Culture, Competition
Notre Dame Fighting Irish football kicker Spencer Porath took an unconventional route to South Bend.
The Purdue transfer never entered the Transfer Portal.
“I was really pursuing an academic opportunity here,” Porath explained. “Obviously, Notre Dame is a great school. I got accepted to (business) school here and kind of went from there.”
Porath said the move was academically motivated and he hasn’t looked back.
“I decided I wanted to pursue and apply as a student here, and so that’s kind of how things happened,” stated Portah. “I just had to basically fill out an application to be a student. From there, the coaches got in contact after I was admitted.”
Finance will be his focus off the field, and he’s eager to explore where it could take him.
“I know investment banking is a big thing here,” said Porath. “I may go into private equity. There’s definitely a lot of options. I haven’t narrowed it down too much. Just kind of kept it open within that branch.”
On the field, Porath and special teams coordinator Marty Biagi have hit the ground running.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder is well aware of Biagi’s background as a former kicker and has embraced the technical emphasis.
“He’s awesome,” stated Porath. “He’s very technical. He’s a kicker himself. It’s been good to pick his brain on the way he sees things, the way he thinks technique-wise. It’s been good to get feedback and hear how he sees things and what he thinks I can improve on.”
Notre Dame will have Porath compete with sophomore Erik Schmidt for kicking duties, but the immediate priority this spring within the field goal unit is finding a holder.
“The punters have been the ones holding so far,” explained Porath. “We’ve been working here and there to see who can do it. Right now, it’s February, so we’re just trying to get a feel of which guys can do it best when the season comes around. We’re going to try them out in spring ball.”
As a sophomore at Purdue in 2025, Porath was one of the nation’s most accurate kickers, converting 15-of-17 field goals and going a perfect 24-of-24 on extra points.
He also has experience kicking inside Notre Dame Stadium, drilling field goals from 48, 35 and 26 yards while adding three extra points.
Purdue played in challenging environments, but the pressure will only intensify at Notre Dame, especially if the Irish meet expectations. Porath is ready to embrace it.
“From a pressure standpoint, it starts with preparation,” Porath explained. “More than anything, if you can simulate it in practice – I don’t think the crowd noise and situation is important. It’s just getting a good clean operation with your snapper, holder and kicker with as many reps as you can.
“That’s the most important thing. Being prepared when you go out there. You know you’re comfortable. You’ve gotten reps with these guys. You know what the feel and rhythm are going to be like. That’s the biggest thing.”
When it comes to range, Porath’s leg could help the Irish add points this fall. In 2025, he went 2-for-3 from 50-plus yards with a long of 53.
“Last year our range was around 55,” Porath said. “I could hit back to there, but field position plays a big aspect there. You get to a point where it’s better to punt and pin them back. We felt really comfortable inside 55 last year, but you never know. If there’s wind at your back, sure, let’s do it.”
It’s clear Porath is comfortable in South Bend despite being a new face in the locker room and he credits that to the program’s culture.
“Just being an Indiana kid, it's been great to be close to home,” said Porath. “Growing up, I heard about the tradition, the culture and that's the biggest thing I want to be around. People who have similar beliefs as me and are competitive. That's kind of the biggest thing I would say, is just being around guys that have a culture that really cares.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Antigua Red Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hero Polo
