Top 2021 QB Tyler Buchner Enjoys Return To Notre Dame

The last time 2021 The Bishop’s School (Calif.) quarterback Tyler Buchner‍ was at Notre Dame, he left with an offer. 

On Saturday, 6-foot-2, 200-pounder made a return to South Bend, and it didn’t disappoint as the Irish ran away from Stanford 38-17.

“It was super cool,” Buchner told Irish Sports Daily. “It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed the culture. There was a lot to like at Notre Dame.” 

It wasn’t by accident the California native chose to come to Saturday’s game as he is considering both Notre Dame and Stanford. 

“I knew it was going to be a good game and that’s why I chose to come to this game,” explained Buchner. “Stanford is another school I’m looking at, so it was like a two-in-one. It was good to see Notre Dame come out with the win and a super fun game to watch.” 

It was a big game atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, and Buchner felt it as soon as he walked out of the tunnel. 

“I thought the crowd and the number of students at the game was impressive,” Buchner said. “It was interesting how all the students stayed to sing the alma mater and not one of them left. They were yelling and doing all this stuff during the game. It was a great atmosphere and a cool place to play.” 

The big win led to a massive celebration in the locker room following the game and Buchner got to take it all in.

“One of the highlights was going into the locker room after the game and hearing Coach Kelly’s post-game talk,” Buchner stated. “I saw them get the trophy from Stanford. It was awesome to see the players celebrating and how happy those guys were, but also how much it meant to them.”

Buchner and the other recruits not only saw the celebration but head coach Brian Kelly drink Gatorade out of the Legend’s Trophy. 

“I did get to see it,” laughed Buchner. “It was cool to be part of it. A few of us felt like we just won a game even though we weren’t even playing.” 

Buchner also got to campus earlier enough to see the campus and mingle with Notre Dame’s 2019 commits. 

“I got to talk to Jack (Kiser) and a couple of the offensive linemen,” said Buchner. “They were super cool and love Notre Dame. They were trying to get me on board as well.” 

The commits weren’t the only people to make a positive influence on Buchner as he spoke with Kelly and quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees. 

“Coach Rees is a super cool guy and super personable,” explained Buchner. “He’s very genuine and down to earth. I really like him.

“With Coach Rees, there isn’t a rush with anything. He already has a 2020 commit in Drew Pyne, so Coach Rees is focused on 2021 right now. I had a great time this weekend, and I’m looking forward to coming back in the spring or the summer.” 

Buchner also gave an update on his knee after tearing his ACL earlier in the year.

“It’s going well,” Buchner stated. “Yesterday was my second day off crutches. I’ve been doing some physical therapy and trying to be part of my team. Rehab is going well, and hopefully, I’ll get back sooner than later. I’m excited.” 

As for the rest of the fall, Buchner will look to make a few more visits if his schedule allows it. 

“I know I’m going to make a trip up to USC to watch a game,” said Buchner. “I may go to see Alabama or Georgia. My football team plays a game in Florida, so I might go see some schools, but we’ll see.”