After a couple of seasons of getting its quarterback through the portal, Notre Dame has stayed away from that position entirely in the last two winters. However, that wasn't really the plan this past week.
No, Marcus Freeman wasn't looking for a QB1 in the portal. He's clearly got that in CJ Carr. But during his press conference earlier this week, Freeman made it clear they did attempt to get a veteran quarterback, someone who could add a wisened voice to the room.
Freeman also admitted getting a backup quarterback through the Transfer Portal might be the one thing Notre Dame really missed out on this year.
Marcus Freeman explains Notre Dame’s decision not to force a portal quarterback
"The reality is we didn't find that person," Freeman said about trying to get an "older player" at quarterback to back up CJ Carr. Part of the reason for that is that they were telling guys they weren't going all out. It wouldn't have been a position battle next year.
He added that while he knows they missed that target, it wasn't a situation where they were desperate. In other words, they weren't willing to pay whatever to get that older QB into South Bend.
"We're confident in our quarterback room."
The primary focus for Notre Dame this transfer portal season was to go out and get the guys they absolutely needed. They brought in some defensive linemen and a kicker. They brought in some wide receivers and some defensive backs. But the Fighting Irish weren't going to spend a ton of time, attention, or cash at quarterback.