Notre Dame football impact transfers to watch ahead of the 2024 season

Entering this new era of Notre Dame football, with the transfer portal and increased team turnover, these new faces can often make the difference between wins and losses and significantly impact a season. Earlier this year, we highlighted the three biggest transfers heading into the pre-spring period, featuring Riley Leonard and a few other big names. Now, as we approach fall camp, let’s examine three more transfers we believe will make an impact in the 2024 season.

WR Beaux Collins can juice up the Notre Dame football passing game

Irish fans have hoped for more success and playmakers at the wide receiver position over the last few years. The Clemson Tiger transfer, Beaux Collins, aims to bring playmaking ability and talent to a wide receiver room that lost some production to the portal. Collins, along with fellow transfer Kris Mitchell, should complement each other well, with Collins adding size on the outside and Mitchell bringing speed to the slot.

Clemson fans might argue that Collins didn’t live up to his four-star rating out of high school and his No. 48 ranking in the 2021 class. However, this may not have been entirely Collins' fault, as Clemson experienced quarterback turnover and the offense didn’t always meet expectations. A change of scenery, with plenty of experience and an established QB in Riley Leonard, should equate to success for an Irish offense seeking a consistent spark.

S Jordan Clark adds another weapon to the Notre Dame football defense

The Irish aim to continue their defensive dominance in year 2 under Al Golden, boasting one of the best secondaries in the country with returning CB Benjamin Morrison and Safety Xavier Watts. However, depth is crucial for sustained success, especially in the new era of college football playoff expansion with extra games.

Jordan Clark, who spent the last five seasons in Tempe, brings experience, leadership, and depth—key elements for the success of this Irish defense in 2024. Clark accumulated 139 career tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 17 pass breakups, and three interceptions during his career at Arizona State. The hope is that Clark will seamlessly transition into the Nickel position, replacing Thomas Harper from last year’s squad.

CB Rod Heard II is a versatile Notre Dame football addition

Continuing with the secondary unit, Al Golden brings in another solid transfer from Northwestern: Rod Heard II. A two-year starter for the Wildcats, Heard finished his career with 194 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and five forced fumbles. His experience, leadership, and football IQ should make him a valuable addition to South Bend under Al Golden’s guidance. He is likely to move from Nickel to safety for the Irish, contributing to what promises to be an exceptional secondary, which ranked third nationally last year in pass defense, allowing under 160 yards per game.