Notre Dame women's basketball already got one big piece of news recently, and the team could be on its way to getting another. Star Hannah Hidalgo officially announced her return to South Bend for her final season amid the clearly very wrong rumors of her entering the transfer portal.
Hidalgo's return is huge, especially coming off the season where Notre Dame was finally able to break through the Sweet 16 barrier in the NCAA Tournament. Hidalgo could be joined by another star on the court from the transfer portal in what would be a huge pickup for the head coach, Niele Ivey and the Irish.
Audi Crooks, who announced she would be entering the transfer portal just recently, is the top prospect for any team. The typical suspects of UConn, South Carolina, Texas, and others were on the list for Crooks, but it seems Notre Dame could be leading the way.
Crooks made a move on social media that has people thinking she could be choosing the Irish. The Iowa State transfer began following the Notre Dame women's basketball team page on Instagram, as well as Hidalgo, Ivey, and KK Bransford.
Audi Crooks, the most sought-after transfer portal target of the year, now follows the official Notre Dame WBB account on Instagram as well as head coach Niele Ivey and players Hannah Hidalgo and KK Bransford.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) April 10, 2026
Crooks, a 6-3 center, was No. 2 nationally in scoring at 25.8 ppg. 👀 pic.twitter.com/aAmL9HrPFs
Audi Crooks could be the missing piece Notre Dame needs to win it all
Now that Hidalgo has officially confirmed her return for next season, fans can start focusing on whether or not Crooks is joining the Irish. Landing Crooks out of the portal would be huge for Ivey and Notre Dame as the former Cyclones star averaged 25.8 points per game last season, which was No. 2 in the nation.
Having Crooks off the court could also help take some pressure off of Hidalgo and open her game up even more than she naturally does. Crooks and Hidalgo teaming up would be a nightmare for opposing teams to have to guard.
On the defensive side, Hidalgo is the best defender in the country hands down, but Crooks can be at the rim, able to guard the paint and the rim. This could be a scary match for other teams in women's college basketball, but a match made in heaven for Ivey and the Irish.