Former Notre Dame football linebacker lands in the MAC conference
There are few Notre Dame football players that have had as winding a road as Nolan Ziegler. There's also likely no player on the Irish who will benefit more from a fresh start. And now he's getting that fresh start in the MAC.
Ziegler entered the transfer portal just ahead of New Years and it didn't take long before Central Michigan came calling. It appears that the Chippewas and Zielger were a match made in heaven. Not long after the MAC school offered, the linebacker gave his pledge.
One of the more interesting things about the Caledonia, Michigan native's announcement is that Central Michigan isn't entirely decided on what position he will play. Ziegler said that he could end up as a wide receiver for his new team.
As a member of the Notre Dame football team, Ziegler was never tried on the offensive side of the ball. This past season, he played in three games on special teams and in one game on defense after missing much of the season for personal reasons.
I am excited to announce I will be accepting my offer at Central Michigan University to play Linebacker / Receiver for the Chippewas. Thank you Coach McElwain and the rest of the staff for this incredible opportunity. I will also be using this God given opportunity to develop my… pic.twitter.com/1PQnnq3Bbt
— Nolan Ziegler (@nolanziegler24) January 4, 2024
He made his season debut against USC, playing 10 snaps on special teams, four kick return snaps and 6 kick coverage snaps. Defensively, he played three snaps during the blowout of Pittsburgh.
As a true freshman in 2022, Ziegler played nine defensive snaps. It's clear that his mental struggles, which he outlined during the Thanksgiving holiday, hampered some of his playing time. He was certainly highly touted out of high school.
Notre Dame football linebacker finds his new home
He had scholarship offers from Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska and others out of Catholic Central High School in addition to Notre Dame football.
Nolan Ziegler is one of 14 Notre Dame football players that have departed the Irish since the transfer portal opened. So far, very few of them have landed at other Power 5 schools.