Notre Dame dealt another portal hit on defense, but it's not a surprise at all

The transfer portal is now officially open, which means that anyone who intended to enter can now make contact with other schools. This will now begin a period of chaos in college football that will continue into the offseason, but the portal does officially close on January 16.

Notre Dame has taken a few hits to their roster due to portal entries, the most recent coming from defensive tackle Armel Mukam. With two years of eligibility left, Mukam will take his talents elsewhere, hoping for more playing time.

Mukam was never really able to break out on the defensive line for Notre Dame, but his leaving does pose a threat to the depth of the Irish defense. Defensive coordinator is also losing defensive back Karson Hobbs and Joshua Burnham, who both announced they would enter the portal earlier this week.

While all three of these guys never had a solid role on the defense, Notre Dame will be replacing a lot of key players this next season, and they would have had the opportunity to compete yet again for a bigger role.

Notre Dame's roster depth could pose a threat to a CFP run in 2026

The Irish are lucky to have not lost too many guys to the transfer portal so far this offseason. They are, however, losing a number to the NFL, and it could pose a threat to what Notre Dame wants to accomplish in 2026.

Losing key players like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price is going to force Notre Dame to be an offensive threat in new ways. The defense is also going to need a lot of help, especially on the line. The secondary for Notre Dame performed better and better as the year went on, but the line sometimes left fans wanting more.

Head coach Marcus Freeman will have to address the depth problem both with the portal and with the new recruiting class coming in. This team can certainly contend next season, but they need the right guys in the right spot to do it.