Transfer portal chaos hits fast as Notre Dame tracks key losses and needs

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The transfer portal opened Jan. 2, and it did not take long for college football to feel the shake-up.

More than 4,500 FBS players entered the portal in the first three days, which is about 31.5 percent of the sport, with nearly two weeks still left in the window.

To explain what is driving the rush — and what it means for Notre Dame — Irish Sports Daily recruiting analyst Matt Freeman pointed to two major factors.

“Right now you have to start with NIL – these kids want to get paid, their agents want to get paid, their families want them to get paid so I think a lot of the basis for going into the portal – is to obtain more money,” Freeman said. “That’s not always the case, but when you look at Notre Dame‘s departure from the program, I think it’s centered a lot more around playing time.”

Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh was set to visit Notre Dame, but committed to Indiana instead, causing a tough loss for the Irish as they are looking to replace Malachi Fields. At the same time, Notre Dame also saw a move that Freeman said was not a surprise. Defensive end Joshua Burnham followed former Notre Dame teammate Pat Coogan to Indiana, mostly due to inconsistent playing time with the Irish.

As roster movement continues across the country, Notre Dame’s numbers have climbed as well. The Irish have had 13 players enter the portal so far, including quarterback Kenny Minchey, who is headed to Nebraska, and walk-on quarterback Anthony Rezac, who is transferring to South Dakota State.

“I think they’re well positioned to make another run through what they’ve done in recruiting and what they can potentially do with the portal,” Freeman said. “Recruiting is going very well for them, as well as any program in the country to be honest with you. Their ’26 class finished number two in the country and 24 of those 27 signees will be on campus this month.”

With the portal still open, the focus now shifts to what Notre Dame needs most. Freeman said the biggest priorities are on the interior defensive line after losing Donovan Hinish and Jared Dawson, with Jason Onye’s status still up in the air.

As the Irish keep building, the search on special teams is still not done. Notre Dame is still hunting for a reliable kicker, and Freeman said it is a position the Irish are actively attacking in the portal.