Notre Dame women’s basketball made a significant splash in the transfer portal this week, landing a major addition to an already strong roster. The Fighting Irish secured a commitment from former Duke point guard Reigan Richardson, a dynamic and experienced floor general who brings poise, scoring ability, and veteran leadership to South Bend. In a landscape where elite transfers can change the course of a season, this pickup signals Notre Dame’s unwavering intent to reassert itself among the elite of women’s college basketball. The program is not simply reloading—it’s retooling for a championship run.
Richardson’s decision to leave Duke came as a surprise to many around the ACC. She was widely expected to anchor the Blue Devils’ backcourt for another season, having emerged as one of the more consistent and reliable guards in the conference. But with coaching changes, shifting dynamics, and her desire to find the best fit both on and off the court, Richardson entered the portal with immediate attention from top-tier programs. That’s when Notre Dame pounced. Head coach Niele Ivey has been aggressive in building a championship-caliber roster, and adding a seasoned point guard like Richardson checks one of the biggest boxes heading into the 2025-26 season.
At 5-foot-11, Richardson is a uniquely built point guard—tall, physical, and blessed with exceptional court vision. Her ability to handle pressure, break down defenses, and get into the paint has long made her a mismatch problem for opponents. She averaged 11.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game last season while shooting 42% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Richardson’s impact often went beyond the stat sheet. She was the calming presence Duke leaned on when games tightened in the fourth quarter. She made big plays in big moments and had a knack for elevating her game when it mattered most.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has been on the hunt for a lead guard who could ease the load on Hannah Hidalgo. The rising sophomore was sensational last year, winning ACC Freshman of the Year and nearly averaging a double-double, but the Irish asked her to do a bit of everything. With the addition of Richardson, Hidalgo can now thrive off the ball more often, conserve energy for defense, and become even more of a scorer. The pairing of Richardson and Hidalgo could easily become one of the most explosive and balanced backcourts in the nation. Together, they represent a potent blend of speed, strength, playmaking, and scoring that opposing teams will struggle to contain.
The move also signals Notre Dame’s commitment to building around its core while bringing in pieces that fit the culture. Under Ivey, the program has continued the legacy of greatness established under Muffet McGraw, but now with a modern twist—faster pace, dynamic guards, and versatility across all positions. Richardson’s arrival embodies that vision. She’s a seasoned leader, but also someone who is still hungry to prove herself. In joining Notre Dame, she steps into a program with national championship expectations, and she brings with her a resume that includes three years of high-level ACC experience.
Richardson’s path to Notre Dame has been shaped by resilience. Originally a top-40 recruit out of Georgia, she began her college career at Georgia before transferring to Duke. At both stops, she showcased flashes of brilliance, but it was at Duke where she truly flourished under Kara Lawson. Despite the ups and downs, Richardson matured into a complete player—one who can control tempo, distribute the ball with precision, defend multiple positions, and score from all three levels. Her decision to take on a new challenge with the Irish speaks volumes about both her ambition and her belief in what Notre Dame is building.
The timing of her transfer is also critical. With the 2025 recruiting class featuring several key frontcourt additions, and with Hidalgo and star forward Sonia Citron returning, Notre Dame’s roster now boasts a rare combination of youth, experience, and depth. Richardson isn’t just a rental for a rebuilding team—she’s a strategic addition for a contender that believes it can cut down the nets. And make no mistake: the Irish are thinking big. With UConn, LSU, and South Carolina grabbing national headlines, Notre Dame is quietly assembling a roster that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country.
Team chemistry will be key, but the early signs are encouraging. Richardson has already started workouts with her new teammates, and sources close to the program say she’s quickly made an impression with her leadership and professionalism. She’s vocal, focused, and has shown a willingness to take younger players under her wing. That type of presence in the locker room is invaluable, especially on a team with national aspirations. Hidalgo’s infectious energy, Citron’s steadiness, and now Richardson’s experience create a leadership triad that can carry Notre Dame through the highs and lows of a long season.
Off the court, Richardson’s personality is a perfect fit for Notre Dame. She’s academically driven, community-minded, and has a reputation for being one of the most respected teammates in any locker room she’s been a part of. Her transition to South Bend has been smooth, with coaching staff and support personnel helping her acclimate quickly. Notre Dame’s culture is deeply rooted in family, faith, and excellence—and Richardson embodies all of those values.
As for what she brings on the court, expect Notre Dame’s offense to look more balanced and fluid. With Richardson handling more of the primary playmaking duties, the Irish can push the tempo with greater consistency and rely less on isolation sets. Her ability to find open shooters and cutters in transition will be a major asset, and her chemistry with Citron in pick-and-roll situations could become a focal point of the half-court offense. Defensively, Richardson gives Ivey a switchable guard who can guard 1-through-3 and isn’t afraid to take on the opponent’s best perimeter scorer.
Perhaps the most exciting part of Richardson’s addition is the competitive fire she brings. Sources close to her say she chose Notre Dame specifically because of its championship pedigree and because she wants to play on the biggest stage. For a player who’s been tested in the ACC for multiple years, the chance to elevate her game under the bright lights of March Madness is a dream scenario. And for Notre Dame, getting a player who’s both battle-tested and hungry is exactly what this roster needed.
The transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape of college basketball, and programs that adapt quickly are often the ones left standing when the dust settles in March. Notre Dame has adapted—and then some. Landing Reigan Richardson isn’t just a win on paper. It’s a statement of intent. A signal to the rest of the country that the Irish aren’t just content with Sweet Sixteen appearances or ACC titles. They want it all.
And with Richardson now donning the blue and gold, their path to that goal just got a lot clearer. Her leadership, skills, and unshakable resolve could be the missing piece that helps Notre Dame return to the mountaintop. One thing is certain: the Irish just got a whole lot tougher to beat.