Mike Martin, the new general manager of Notre Dame football, explains why the portal won’t be the final
In recent years, college football has seen a dramatic shift in how teams build their rosters. The NCAA Transfer Portal, introduced in 2018, has revolutionized recruitment and roster management, allowing athletes to freely transfer between programs with fewer restrictions. For many schools, the portal has become a lifeline—offering a quick solution to fill gaps in their rosters, providing experienced players who can contribute immediately. However, for Mike Martin, the newly appointed general manager of Notre Dame football, the portal is not the end-all-be-all solution. He believes that relying solely on the transfer portal to shape a team could undermine the long-term sustainability and identity of Notre Dame’s storied football program. In his view, a careful, measured approach—rooted in player development, recruiting, and a strong team culture—holds the key to long-term success.
The Rise of the Transfer Portal
The NCAA Transfer Portal was implemented as a way to give athletes more freedom to move between schools. It essentially opened the floodgates for student-athletes to explore opportunities at different programs, making it easier for players to transfer without the burden of waiting out a season or seeking permission from coaches. This newfound freedom sparked a tidal wave of transfers across the country, with athletes seeking to play for schools offering immediate playing time or better opportunities.
For many programs, the portal has become a game-changer. It provides access to experienced players who are ready to step in and contribute right away. Teams that may have been struggling to recruit or facing injury issues can now tap into a deep pool of talent. Schools like Alabama, Oklahoma, and USC, known for their aggressive portal usage, have turned it into a vital part of their roster-building strategy.
However, while the portal has proven to be an efficient way to address immediate needs, it has also raised concerns about the long-term effects on team chemistry, recruitment, and player development. In a landscape dominated by immediate results, the question arises: Is the transfer portal the answer to building sustainable, successful football programs, or is it a temporary fix for deeper issues?
Mike Martin’s Vision for Notre Dame Football
Mike Martin is no stranger to high-level football management, having spent years in various roles across college and professional football. His background in building and managing football operations made him an ideal candidate to take the reins at Notre Dame, where the expectations are as high as the program’s legacy.
As Notre Dame’s new general manager, Martin is tasked with overseeing football operations and playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the program. His approach, however, is distinct: while the transfer portal is not off the table, he firmly believes that relying on it too heavily is not the path forward for a program like Notre Dame. For Martin, it’s about striking a balance between using the portal to address immediate needs and ensuring that the program builds long-term success through sustainable development, recruitment, and culture.
Why the Portal Isn’t the Final Answer
The transfer portal offers immediate solutions—players with experience, the potential to fill gaps in the roster, and a chance to change the trajectory of a season quickly. However, Martin cautions against overreliance on the portal for several key reasons:
1. Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Development
While bringing in experienced players through the portal can provide a quick fix, Martin is focused on building a sustainable, competitive program that lasts beyond the next season or two. Teams that heavily rely on portal transfers are often merely masking underlying issues such as recruiting gaps, a lack of development, or instability within the program. This can lead to a lack of continuity, as players who come in through the portal typically aren’t integrated into the team for the long haul.
Notre Dame, known for its history of player development, prides itself on cultivating talent from within. Relying on the portal too frequently risks losing that identity and undermining the program’s culture, where player development and cohesion take precedence over quick fixes.
2. Impact on High School Recruiting
The portal’s rise has led to a noticeable shift in college football recruiting. As schools turn to the portal for instant reinforcements, high school athletes are increasingly being pushed to the backburner. Programs that lean too heavily on the portal may find themselves neglecting the development of their incoming freshman class, and over time, this can erode the foundation of a program. Martin understands the importance of high school recruiting, not only for building a stable roster but also for maintaining the program’s core values.
Notre Dame has always placed a premium on recruiting athletes who fit its academic standards and the institution’s culture. High school players bring an inherent connection to the program’s values, and they have the potential to grow and develop into long-term contributors. By focusing too much on portal players, teams risk losing the benefits of developing players who understand and embody the unique Notre Dame experience.
3. Team Chemistry and Stability
Perhaps the most overlooked consequence of overusing the portal is its impact on team chemistry. College football is a game that relies heavily on unity, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Constant turnover in a roster—brought on by players entering and exiting through the portal—can lead to a fractured locker room and disrupt team morale. While experienced transfers may bring immediate talent, they often have to adjust to a new environment, new teammates, and new systems, which can take time.
Building a successful program requires a strong, stable core of players who are committed to each other and to the team. Martin emphasizes that a culture of growth, mutual respect, and understanding between coaches and players is the key to long-term success. A revolving door of transfers doesn’t foster that sense of unity.
Mike Martin’s Approach: Building a Sustainable Team
Martin has a clear vision for Notre Dame football: he wants to create a program that doesn’t just survive in the competitive college football landscape but thrives for years to come. That vision hinges on a commitment to player development, effective recruiting, and fostering a strong team culture.
1. Player Development
Mike Martin’s approach is centered around the development of players already within the program. Notre Dame’s success has historically been built on coaching, training, and developing players over the course of their college careers. Martin understands the importance of nurturing talent, allowing players to grow and mature both on and off the field. By prioritizing player development, he ensures that the program is not dependent on short-term transfers to fill gaps but is instead focused on cultivating homegrown talent that can make lasting contributions.
2. Recruiting with Purpose
While the portal can be used to plug specific gaps, Martin emphasizes that recruiting—especially high school recruiting—is the lifeblood of a sustainable program. Notre Dame’s recruiting philosophy is built on attracting high-character athletes who excel both academically and athletically. By focusing on high school recruits who align with the program’s values, Notre Dame can build a strong, stable foundation of players who will be committed to the program long-term.
3. Striking a Balance
Martin does not reject the portal outright. He acknowledges that it can be a valuable tool in filling specific needs, such as addressing a depth chart deficiency or bringing in experienced players to contribute immediately. However, his philosophy is clear: the portal should be used strategically and selectively, not as the foundation of a team. The key is to maintain a balance between recruiting high school athletes, developing existing players, and utilizing the portal to fill in the gaps when necessary.
4. Fostering Competition
A key element of building a successful program is fostering competition at every position. Martin aims to create an environment where players compete not only for playing time but for respect within the team. Healthy competition leads to better performances and a culture where everyone is constantly striving to improve. Through smart recruiting and player development, Martin hopes to cultivate a program where the best players rise to the top, regardless of whether they came from the portal or high school.
The Future of Notre Dame Football
As Mike Martin takes the helm of Notre Dame football, his vision for the future is rooted in long-term sustainability, player development, and maintaining the program’s proud traditions. While the transfer portal has undoubtedly altered the recruiting landscape, it is not the ultimate solution to building a championship-caliber program. By focusing on recruiting the right players, developing talent from within, and fostering team unity, Martin believes Notre Dame can continue to be a force in college football without relying solely on the portal.
In the ever-changing world of college football, Martin’s approach stands as a reminder that success is not always about quick fixes. Instead, it is about creating a program that is built to last—a program that thrives on the values of tradition, hard work, and development. For Notre Dame, the future is bright, and with Mike Martin at the helm, the focus is clear: success through sustainable, long-term growth.