Notre Dame football among betting favorites to land Spencer Sanders

Once again, Notre Dame football is among the favorites to land a transfer portal quarterback, this time former Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders.

Adam Thompson of Bookies.com has released yet another list of betting favorites for a transfer portal quarterback, this time for Spencer Sanders. While Thompson has Florida listed as the favorite at +350, Notre Dame football is a close 2nd at +400, an implied probability of 20%. Rounding out the top 5 are Wisconsin, Arizona State, and Kentucky.

Sanders led the Cowboys to a win over Notre Dame in last year’s Fiesta Bowl after Notre Dame had a commanding lead through most of the game. His career stats aren’t necessarily eye-popping, but he can certainly lead a team as the starting quarterback. Sanders passed for just over 9,500 yards and had a completion percentage of 61% throughout his 4 years at Oklahoma State. What’s more concerning is the 67 touchdown passes to 40 interceptions thrown. However, Spencer did add 18 career touchdowns on the ground in his time with the Cowboys.

While Notre Dame is welcome to explore the option for Sanders at quarterback, I don’t think he moves the needle enough as a passer for the Irish. With an outstanding running game already established, Notre Dame football needs someone that can hang in the pocket and fire strikes downfield. Having some mobility is a plus, but the emphasis has to be on finding an accurate downfield thrower of the football.

With Drew Pyne entering the portal, Sanders could be an acceptable backup option at quarterback but shouldn’t be the primary target for coach Rees. Hopefully, they’ll explore the fits of Hudson Card, Devin Leary, and other available quarterbacks. However, more than finding competition to infuse into the quarterback room is needed. Rees and Freeman need to find someone that moves the needle and can truly pressure the starting job.