3 biggest losses for Notre Dame football in the transfer portal

NaNa Osafo-Mensah’s departure might have been the most surprising of all the transfer portal departures simply because it was expected he’d follow up a solid 2023 season with a breakout 2024 campaign.

His growth over the course of the season was evident and with the Fighting Irish wanting to reload on the defensive side of the ball, his leaving for TCU was a bit of a shock. It’s less of a shock, however, when you consider that he’s from Forth Worth, Texas.

It’s possible that NaNa simply was a little homesick, no matter how well he was playing in South Bend. The Notre Dame football’s home town isn’t for everyone. Theres a way of life there that will always make some players feel uncomfortable.

Whatever the reason that the defensive lineman decided to leave, his departure is a hit right at the front of one of the greatest defenses in the 2023 season.

Osafo-Mensah finished as a part-time player with 20 tackles and 3 sacks. He’s a pass rushing specialist that could be missed for the Notre Dame football team.

The Irish did go out and get another pass rusher in RJ Oben, but NaNa will be a loss due to his veteran presence and ability to make plays on the defensive line.