After more than a week where the only Transfer Portal win for Notre Dame was getting Armel Mukam to stick in South Bend, Monday has been a very, very big day. Jayden Sanders became the fourth portal commitment of a busy Monday, marking a stark turnaround from a slow start that had some Irish fans worrying.
Sanders is also the second defensive back to commit to the Irish on the day and the third defensive addition. He follows former Colorado Buffalo DJ McKinney in the backfield and former Alabama Crimson Tide rush end Keon Keeley. Former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Quincy Porter rounds out the quartet.
Sanders is a significant addition for a Notre Dame defensive backfield that is routinely a strength of the defense. There's a bonus that he comes to South Bend after spending his true freshman season with the Michigan Wolverines. Stealing a talented corner from the old rival can only feel good for Marcus Freeman and his crew.
Jayden Sanders gives Notre Dame another defensive backfield boost
Sanders played high school football at Kilgore (TX), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 176 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. The 4-star prospect impressed Wolverines coaches enough that he played in 13 games in 2025 and tallied 23 tackles.
According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a 74 overall grade and a 70.1 grade for his tackling. He also allowed just one pass of more than 20 yards.
Jayden Sanders becomes the fourth Transfer Portal addition of the winter for Notre Dame, as well as the fourth of the day. It doesn't appear the Fighting Irish will be adding a ton of new players, but they are working on at least a few more before everything is said and done.