Unfortunately for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame, the Transfer Portal window has not been great so far. So far, the Irish have yet to land a commitment from anyone in the portal, which includes whiffing on a few key players like Nick Marsh and Ian Strong.
There is hope that a commitment is coming through from someone in the portal, as the Irish have now lost a total of 13 players. The one player that Irish fans are hoping to see back in South Bend is former Alabama defensive lineman Keon Keeley.
Keeley is a special player who already has ties to Notre Dame, as he was once committed to the Irish back in the Class of 2023. Keeley was with the Irish for a while before making a late flip to Alabama, and now he is back looking for a new team.
Keon Keeley is set to be back in South Bend this week
The former 5-star recruit out of high school was once committed to Notre Dame, and now it seems like he might want back in. Keeley has an official visit set up with the Irish this week, and there are high hopes that he can be Notre Dame's first pick up out of the Transfer Portal.
Sources have informed me that Alabama defensive lineman and former five-star Keon Keeley is expected to be in South Bend visiting Notre Dame on Wednesday.
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) January 7, 2026
VIP: https://t.co/fVR6LdQcrA@irishillustratd @247Sports / @247SportsPortal pic.twitter.com/cxAwhZ453C
In two seasons with Alabama, Keeley totaled 16 tackles, six solo tackles, one pass defended, and three sacks. Keeley would be a big pick up for Notre Dame because the Irish need some help on the defensive line, and it seems like he always has a relationship with some on the coaching staff.
Freeman can't afford to let Keeley leave South Bend without getting him to sign with Notre Dame, or this poor trend in the Transfer Portal could keep going for the Irish, which is something they desperately don't need.