Notre Dame football: Targeting transfer WR Kaleb Smith

Last year the Notre Dame football program found immense success along the ground running the football. However, the Irish have left something to be desired in the passing game. Would adding a transfer wide receiver to the group help change the WR room’s current trajectory?

The wide receivers last year combined for 1150 yards on 85 catches, while Michael Mayer secured 67 catches for 809 yards. With star TE Mayer heading to the NFL next year, the Irish need to find some veteran receiving help. Kaleb Smith, a transfer portal entrant out of Virginia Tech, visited Notre Dame this weekend. Last year, Smith had 37 catches for 674 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The 6’2” 220-pound wide receiver out of Louisa County, Virginia, has had a solid collegiate career. While last season was undoubtedly his best year, he has totaled 74 catches for 1143 yards and 7 touchdowns. Adding leadership to a relatively young group could pay dividends for the Notre Dame football program now and in the future. With four wide receiver commitments in the 2023 class, leadership and experience at the position is a must.

It remains to be seen how his trip to South Bend was over the weekend, but as long as things went well, it should be good news for the Irish. With Chansi Stuckey looking to cement himself as the right guy for the job, making sure the wide receivers produce next year is vital. Whether it’s Buchner, Angeli, Minchey, or a transfer quarterback that kicks off the 2023 season as the starting QB, Kaleb could be a helpful addition.

The Irish have a commit in the 2023 class named Kaleb Smith as well, not to be confused with the Kaleb Smith out of Virginia. Both have bright futures with Notre Dame football should they give the program a real shot. We’ll see what happens and keep you updated as the process progresses.