Notre Dame Football: Bolstering the Roster Through the 2026 Transfer Portal

📸 Credit: https://www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2026/01/nfl-interest-battery-allegation-and-transfer-portal-marks-hectic-start-to-2026

As the college football landscape continues to evolve with the transfer portal playing a pivotal role in roster construction, Notre Dame has emerged as one of the big winners in the 2026 cycle. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish addressed key areas of need—particularly on the defensive line, at wide receiver, in the secondary, and even special teams—following a strong 2025 campaign that positioned them as national championship contenders. Despite losing 19 players to the portal (including reserves and walk-ons), Notre Dame secured eight high-impact additions, many with multiple years of eligibility remaining. These moves not only provide immediate depth but also long-term upside.

Key Transfer Additions

Quincy Porter- WR (6-4/210) Ohio State

A former five-star recruit with elite size and speed. Porter provides a big-bodied target for quarterback CJ Carr, addressing depth at wide receiver after departures. Expected to compete for a starting role immediately.

Mylan Graham- WR (6-1/195) Ohio State

Graham is a speedy route-runner with upside as a slot receiver. His arrival bolsters the passing game and adds competition in a revamped wideout room.

Francis Brewu- DT (6-2/280) Pittsburgh

Brings proven production with his ability to stuff the run and pressure quarterbacks. Brewu's addition pairs well with Gray, creating a formidable rotation at defensive tackle.

Tionne Gray- DT (6-6/336) Oregon

A massive interior lineman who adds size and disruption to the defensive front. Gray was a highly rated recruit out of high school and brings experience. He has the potential to anchor the line alongside returning players.

Keon Keeley- DE (6-5/282) Alabama

A one-time Notre Dame commit who flipped to Alabama, Keeley returns as a pass-rush specialist. His length and athleticism make him a potential game-changer off the edge, filling a need after the loss of Josh Burnham.

DJ McKinnery- CB (6-2/180) Colorado

A graduate transfer with starting experience in the Big 12. McKinney adds veteran presence to the secondary, where Notre Dame sought immediate help.

Jayden Sanders- CB (6-1/193) Michigan

Versatile defensive back who can play corner or nickel. Sanders brings Big Ten toughness and multiple years of eligibility, enhancing depth in a unit hit by portal exits.

Spencer Porath- K (5-11/201) Purdue

A reliable kicker who handled field goals and extra points for the Boilermakers. Porath provides competition and stability in special teams, an often-overlooked area in portal discussions.

These additions came in a flurry, with Notre Dame landing four commitments in a single day, after a slower start to the portal window. The group features a mix of underclassmen with high ceilings and more seasoned players.

Impact on the 2026 Season

Notre Dame's portal haul directly targets positions of vulnerability exposed in 2025. The defensive line, which lost depth to injuries and departures, now looks reloaded with Gray and Brewu forming a stout interior tandem alongside returnees like Jason Onye and Elijah Hughes. Keeley's return adds edge-rushing firepower, potentially elevating the defense to elite status.

Offensively, the wide receiver room—thinned by transfers—gains explosive playmakers in Porter and Graham. The secondary, hit hard by losses, benefits from McKinney and Sanders, providing stability and competition.

Overall, analysts rank this class among the nation's best in terms of talent upgrade, with Notre Dame entering 2026 as a top contender for the expanded College Football Playoff. Freeman's approach—focusing on fits who align with the program's culture—has paid dividends, turning a chaotic portal period into a tremendous success. With one of the most talented rosters in the modern era, the Irish are primed to "leave no doubt" in their pursuit of a national title.

Go Irish!