Notre Dame’s football program has made significant strides in bolstering its roster through strategic acquisitions from the NCAA transfer portal, successfully attracting top-tier talent over powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Oregon, and Alabama. These additions are poised to enhance the Fighting Irish’s competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
**Key Transfer Acquisitions:**
1. **Malachi Fields – Wide Receiver (Virginia):** Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Fields brings a formidable presence to Notre Dame’s receiving corps. Over his collegiate career at Virginia, he amassed 129 receptions for 1,849 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the 2024 season alone, Fields recorded 55 catches for 808 yards and five touchdowns. His decision to join Notre Dame over Penn State was influenced by his connection with Irish receivers coach Mike Brown, a fellow Charlottesville native .
2. **DeVonta Smith – Cornerback (Alabama):** A Cincinnati native and former four-star recruit, Smith started all 12 games for Alabama in the 2024 season. He excelled in slot coverage, allowing only 123 yards and no touchdowns on 29 targets. Smith’s transfer to Notre Dame addresses the team’s need at the nickel position, following the departures of key players like Jordan Clark and Rod Heard .
3. **Riley Leonard – Quarterback (Duke):** Leonard brings dual-threat capabilities to Notre Dame’s offense. In the 2022 season at Duke, he threw for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns, while rushing for 699 yards and 13 touchdowns. Despite injuries limiting his 2023 season, Leonard’s experience and versatility make him a valuable asset for the Fighting Irish .
4. **Beaux Collins – Wide Receiver (Clemson):** Collins adds depth and experience to Notre Dame’s receiving unit. During his time at Clemson, he tallied 91 receptions for 1,290 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the 2023 season, he recorded 38 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns .
5. **Kris Mitchell – Wide Receiver (Florida International):** Known for his speed and big-play potential, Mitchell had a standout 2023 season with 64 receptions for 1,118 yards and seven touchdowns. His addition brings a dynamic element to Notre Dame’s offense .
**Recruiting Success:**
Beyond the transfer portal, Notre Dame continues to excel in traditional recruiting. The commitment of four-star offensive lineman Tyler Merrill, who chose the Fighting Irish over Alabama and Penn State, underscores the program’s appeal to top high school talent .
**Strategic Approach:**
Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has adopted a balanced strategy, combining selective transfer portal acquisitions with strong high school recruiting. This approach ensures both immediate impact and long-term development, positioning the Fighting Irish as a formidable force in college football .
In summary, Notre Dame’s recent successes in the transfer portal and recruiting trail reflect a program that is both adaptive and forward-thinking, ready to compete at the highest levels of college football.
