Keon Keeley returns to Notre Dame after two seasons at Alabama

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Exactly 200 days remain until Notre Dame football kicks off its 2026 season, and one of the most interesting storylines this spring centers on a familiar name.

Defensive lineman Keon Keeley is back in South Bend. Keeley originally committed to the Fighting Irish out of high school as a five-star, recruited by Notre Dame defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman at the time. However, Keeley later flipped his commitment and signed with Alabama, choosing to play under longtime Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.

Now, after two seasons in Tuscaloosa, Keeley has transferred to Notre Dame.

Alabama fell short of a national championship in its second season under head coach Kalen DeBoer, ending the year with a Rose Bowl loss to Indiana. The offseason brought significant roster movement, with 23 players entering the transfer portal, including Keeley.

Over two seasons with the Crimson Tide, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound edge rusher appeared in 19 games. He totaled 19 tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks. In 2025, his role expanded as he appeared in 13 games.

Coming out of high school, Keeley was ranked as the No. 1 edge rusher and the No. 2 overall player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings, making him one of the most highly touted recruits in the country.

Keeley said returning to Notre Dame felt different.

“Notre Dame has this atmosphere with it and it’s something you can’t explain,” Keeley said. “I was in the stadium. They were playing the ‘Rudy’ theme song. I still haven’t seen ‘Rudy.’ It’s bad, but the theme song was so cool and basically — I’m a man — but I teared up.”

Despite an increased role last season at Alabama, Keeley said he ultimately entered the transfer portal to make the best decision for himself.

He described his time in Tuscaloosa as a great experience but said his focus is now clear: win a national championship at Notre Dame.