Now that the Transfer Portal is officially here, it's clear Notre Dame isn't expected to be as active as some teams. However, the Irish will pursue the wide receiver position. Unfortunately, on that note, they've already suffered a defeat in the battle for Nick Marsh.
To make matters worse, their first real portal defeat came at the hands of an in-state rival. Not only have the Indiana Hoosiers won a ton of games on the field since Curt Cignetti arrived, but they're now winning big-time recruiting battles.
Marsh was one of the best wide receiver targets in the portal. The former Michigan State wideout had 59 catches for 662 yards and 6 touchdowns this past season. That's especially impressive considering just how bad the Spartans' offense was, especially down the stretch.
BREAKING: Michigan State star transfer WR Nick Marsh has Committed to Indiana, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 4, 2026
The 6’3 215 WR totaled 100 receptions for 1,311 Yards & 9 TDs in his 2 seasons with the Spartanshttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/gGuoydTaf2
Notre Dame changes focus off of Nick Marsh after he commits to Indiana
Notre Dame has plenty of talent at wide receiver in-house, but it's clear that, like past seasons, they'd like to add at least one proven receiver from the portal. Marsh choosing Indiana is a significant blow, considering the Irish were hoping to bring him in for a visit on Monday.
Marcus Freeman's crew does have some other players on the radar, including former Iowa State receiver Xavier Townsend, who is planning a visit this coming week. Former Rutgers wideout Ian Strong is also on the list.
In fact, Strong likely becomes Notre Dame's top wide receiver target in the portal. That name isn't going to excite Fighting Irish fans, but he's a solid receiver who is considered one of the best when it comes to contested catches.