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Notre Dame Football Struggles in Transfer Portal Search

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Notre Dame's football program is struggling in the transfer portal after missing key targets Nick Marsh and Jontez Williams, who committed to Indiana and USC, respectively.
Since the portal opened, 14 players have entered, and wide receiver KK Smith has also entered.
Notre Dame is pursuing new talent, including quarterback Braden Atkinson and tight end Brody Foley, ahead of the portal closing on January 16.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA launched the transfer portal on October 15, 2018, to enhance transparency in student-athlete transfers. Since then, over 1,000 football players have entered the portal annually, reshaping recruitment strategies for programs like Notre Dame. Recent commitments from Nick Marsh and Jontez Williams to Indiana and USC underscore the competitive nature of talent acquisition in college football.

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Story summary

Notre Dame's football program is struggling in the transfer portal after missing key targets Nick Marsh and Jontez Williams, who committed to Indiana and USC, respectively.
Since the portal opened, 14 players have entered, and wide receiver KK Smith has also entered.
Notre Dame is pursuing new talent, including quarterback Braden Atkinson and tight end Brody Foley, ahead of the portal closing on January 16.

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