The transfer portal window has officially closed, and Notre Dame’s 2026 roster is starting to take shape. The Irish saw 18 players exit the program via the portal, but they responded with a focused, high-upside eight-man incoming class that fills key needs and adds serious talent to both sides of the ball. While no team is immune to attrition in today’s college football landscape, Notre Dame has navigated the chaos with a clear plan-and they’re coming out of it in a strong position.
Who’s Out: 18 Departures, Minimal Disruption
Let’s start with the exits. Eighteen players transferred out of South Bend-a number that might raise eyebrows at first glance-but when you dig into the details, the impact is far from devastating.
Only a handful of those players were expected to contribute in 2026, and none were projected starters. That’s a win in today’s game, where roster churn is the new normal.
Among the most notable departures:
- Kenny Minchey, a talented quarterback with a bright future, heads to Kentucky. He’ll get a fresh start in an offense that should highlight his skill set.
- Gi’Bran Payne (RB, Cincinnati), KK Smith (WR, Michigan State), and Josh Burnham (DE, Indiana) were all players with rotational potential.
- JaDon Blair, a safety now at Missouri, might have seen the field in 2026, but Notre Dame’s depth in the secondary softens the blow.
- Scrap Richardson (WR, Auburn) and Cree Thomas (CB, Colorado) are two more names to watch at their new homes.
In total, the Irish lost players at nearly every position group, including three quarterbacks, multiple wide receivers and defensive backs, and even a kicker. But again, the majority of these players were depth pieces or developmental prospects-not core contributors. The coaching staff will miss their potential, but the foundation of the 2026 roster remains intact.
Who’s In: Eight Key Additions With Immediate Upside
Notre Dame has never been a program to live and die by the transfer portal. Their philosophy remains rooted in high school recruiting, but when they dip into the portal, it’s with purpose-and this cycle was no different. The Irish brought in eight transfers, each with a clear role and the potential to make an immediate impact.
Offense Gets a Boost at Wide Receiver
Let’s start with the wide receiver room, which quietly became one of the most intriguing position groups on the roster. Notre Dame landed Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham, both from Ohio State.
Porter, a sophomore, brings size, speed, and a high ceiling. Graham, a junior, adds polish and route-running savvy.
Together, they inject top-end talent into a unit that already features rising stars like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison.
Receiver play has to take a leap if Notre Dame wants to go from playoff hopeful to national title contender. Porter and Graham are the kind of additions that move that needle.
Defensive Line Reloads With Size and Experience
Up front, Notre Dame added three defensive linemen who each bring something different to the table:
- Keon Keeley, a former five-star recruit who originally committed to the Irish before flipping to Alabama, is back in South Bend. Now a senior, Keeley returns with something to prove and the kind of edge-rushing upside that can change games.
- Francis Brewu, a junior from Pitt, logged nearly 500 snaps last season and brings a steady, experienced presence to the interior. He’s a plug-and-play option who could start from day one.
- Tionne Gray, a 6-foot-6, 336-pound junior from Oregon, adds much-needed size to the middle of the line. He played around 20-25 snaps per game in 2025 and could be primed for a bigger role in South Bend.
This trio gives new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge a versatile group to work with-one that can rotate, disrupt, and hold up against the run.
Secondary Adds Depth, Experience
The Irish also addressed needs in the secondary. DJ McKinney, a fifth-year corner from Colorado, brings veteran savvy and positional flexibility.
Jayden Sanders, a sophomore from Michigan, adds youth and upside. With several defensive backs leaving via the portal, these two help restock a room that’s been a strength in recent years under coach Mike Mickens.
Special Teams Gets a Reliable Leg
After some kicking inconsistencies in 2025, Notre Dame didn’t hesitate to shore up the position. They landed Spencer Porath, a junior kicker from Purdue who hit 88.2% of his field goals last season and hasn’t missed an extra point in his college career. That kind of reliability is crucial in close games, and Porath gives the Irish a steady presence on special teams.
Looking Ahead
With the portal closed and early enrollees already on campus, Notre Dame’s 2026 roster is nearly set. They’ve weathered the departures well, added impact talent at key positions, and continue to build around a No. 1-ranked recruiting class. The Irish didn’t chase volume in the portal-they pursued fit, upside, and immediate contributors.
Now, the focus shifts to spring ball, where we’ll get our first real look at how these new faces mesh with returning stars. If the pieces come together, Notre Dame could be staring down a special season in 2026.