Notre Dame football transfer wish list

Notre Dame football: Linebacker

While this is a position of need being taken care of brilliantly in the coming years by Marcus Freeman, it’s a position that needs some immediate work. The current group just seemed a bit slow to the ball this year. With guys like Jaylen Sneed and Drayk Bowen entering the fold, they should be fine in the long run. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to add an impact player that could elevate the position group to the next level.

There are only a few transfers in the portal currently at the linebacking spot, but again, expect more to become available. Last year, the portal contained Drew Sanders, another highly touted recruit who left Alabama. Adding an elite linebacker to an excellent and relatively young group in the next few years would boost their production on the field.

Notre Dame football: Other positions they could explore

A few other positions they could explore would be kicker, defensive line, and safety or cornerback. Another position that was sorely missing above-average on-field production from the upperclassmen this year was the secondary. Notre Dame will bring in a few recruits in 2023 who can contribute immediately, but rounding out the room with elite veteran talent could help.

Losing Foskey and the Ademilola twins could be a big blow to the defensive front. However, bringing in a transfer or two with a proven record of sacking quarterbacks could help bridge the gap. There are plenty of young guys in the program capable of filling those shoes, but nothing is certain. Brian Mason is still building out his special teams unit, and while Blake Grupe had a fine year, he could look to add more veterans to the team.

There’s one thing I’m positive about; the availability of guys that will want to, and can come to play for, Notre Dame. After that, it’s on Freeman and his staff to prove why they’re the missing pieces to a Notre Dame playoff run.