Notre Dame Sets 5-Star Record Under Marcus Freeman, Reloads for 2026
Marcus Freeman continues to prove he's not just building a roster-he’s building a powerhouse. As the dust settles from the early signing period and the first wave of transfer portal chaos, Notre Dame has emerged with something it’s never had before: nine former five-star recruits on a single roster. That’s a first in program history, and it speaks volumes about the direction this team is heading under Freeman’s leadership.
Let’s rewind to December. While other programs were scrambling to hold onto commitments and dealing with last-minute flips, Notre Dame’s class stood firm.
Not a single recruit wavered. Every commit signed on the dotted line as soon as the window opened.
That kind of stability isn’t just rare-it’s a testament to the relationships Freeman and his staff have built with their players.
But that was just the start.
When the transfer portal opened, there was a brief moment of concern. For a week, Notre Dame hadn’t added a single name.
In a college football landscape where top-tier programs are expected to move quickly, that silence raised eyebrows. Then Freeman flipped the script.
In one day, Notre Dame landed five transfers, instantly reshaping the roster and filling key gaps. Among them were three former five-star players who bring serious pedigree and potential to South Bend: defensive lineman Keon Keeley (via Alabama), and wide receivers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter (both from Ohio State). All three were elite prospects coming out of high school, and now they’re part of a Notre Dame team that’s quietly building something special.
Add those three to an already loaded group that includes top names from the 2026 recruiting class and a few returning five-stars already on the roster, and you’ve got a Notre Dame squad that’s deeper and more talented than any in recent memory.
This isn’t just about collecting stars, though. It’s about timing and fit.
Freeman may not have landed all of these players the first time around, but when the portal gave them a second chance to choose, he closed the deal. That’s the mark of a recruiter who’s playing the long game-building trust, staying connected, and striking when the opportunity is right.
And let’s be clear: these additions aren’t just for show. With several key departures to the NFL and some roster turnover through the portal, Notre Dame needed reinforcements.
These transfers bring experience, explosiveness, and a hunger to contribute right away. They’re not just filling holes-they’re raising the ceiling for what this team can be in 2026.
The Irish ended 2025 with a chip on their shoulder. Now, with a roster stacked like never before, they’re positioned to turn that edge into momentum.
Freeman has the talent. He has the buy-in.
And now, with nine former five-stars in the fold, he has a team that’s ready to chase something bigger.
Notre Dame isn’t just making history-they’re gearing up to make noise.