Notre Dame probably thought the worst thing that could have happened to them was the College Football Playoff snub, but actually, it is what is happening right now. Head coach Marcus Freeman has not had an ounce of luck in the Transfer Portal, as not one player has committed to the Irish.
There have been many who have visited, but ended up going elsewhere, thus adding more frustration to the offseason for the Irish. Freeman needs to figure out some sort of solution, or else this team will have to rely on young incoming talent to produce next season without a lot of veteran help.
Notre Dame has to bring someone in soon, or this offseason could go from bad to worse. So, here are three players the Irish can't afford to let slip through the cracks in the Transfer Portal.
Keon Keeley
Keon Keeley is a big one that Notre Dame has to sign as he already has ties to the Irish. During his recruitment, Keeley was committed to Notre Dame for quite some time before flipping last minute to Alabama. After two years in Tuscaloosa, the elite defensive lineman entered the portal, and it feels like there is no other place he could go other than Notre Dame.
Keeley visited South Bend during the first week of the portal being open, and if Freeman can't secure a commitment, all hope could be lost for Notre Dame.
Ezra Christensen
Ezra Christensen might not be the biggest name in the Transfer Portal, but at this point, Notre Dame can't afford to be too picky. Christensen spent two years at Fresno State before transferring to New Mexico State, and it back in the portal for a second time.
In 2025, Christensen had 42 total tackles as a defensive lineman, 21 solo tackles, two passes defended, six sacks, and one forced fumble. While he may not have any experience at a power conference level, Freeman has shown he can take any level of talent and elevate it.
Francis Brewu
Francis Brewu is the other defensive lineman on this list who had power conference talent coming from Pitt, a team Notre Dame took care of easily this past season. Brewu only played two seasons at Pitt, so he at least has two more years of eligibility, which could pay off for the Irish.
The 2025 season was good to Brewu, who had 36 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. It is clear that Notre Dame is looking for a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball, more importantly, the defensive line.