As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the transfer portal has become a pivotal part of roster construction for many programs, including Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, under the guidance of head coach Marcus Freeman, have been active in the portal, adding significant talent to bolster their squad for the 2025 season. In a sign of how important these new additions are, six of the eight incoming transfers have already arrived in South Bend for spring practice. With spring ball underway, the opportunity for these transfers to integrate into the team and showcase their talents is crucial for both the individuals and the program as a whole.
Let’s take a closer look at the six transfers, their backgrounds, and what they bring to the table. We’ll also explore how their presence will impact Notre Dame’s preparations for the upcoming season and the future of the program.
1. Sam Hartman – Quarterback (Wake Forest)
Background:
Sam Hartman is perhaps the most high-profile of the six transfers, and he’s arguably the most important acquisition of the offseason. After spending five seasons at Wake Forest, Hartman emerged as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the ACC, setting numerous school and conference records along the way. His experience and strong arm were key components of Wake Forest’s high-powered offense, which ranked among the nation’s best during his tenure.
Hartman’s decision to transfer to Notre Dame was a statement that the Fighting Irish were ready to make a push for a national title. With Drew Pyne transferring to Arizona State and Tyler Buchner still recovering from injury, Hartman immediately became the presumed starting quarterback for Notre Dame.
Impact on Spring Practice:
With spring practice already underway, Hartman’s presence is invaluable. Not only is he a talented player on the field, but his leadership and experience are also a significant asset to a relatively young offensive group. As the Irish look to continue their development under Freeman, Hartman provides stability and a veteran presence at a position that is often the key to success in college football.
For Hartman, spring practice is a chance to build chemistry with his new teammates, particularly with a receiving corps that will feature several new faces, including Jaden Greathouse and Chris Tyree. The more time Hartman gets with these playmakers, the better the offense will perform when the season kicks off.
2. Jack Kiser – Linebacker (Northwestern)
Background:
One of the most important transfers for the Irish defense is Jack Kiser, a linebacker who spent several successful seasons at Northwestern. Kiser was known for his football IQ and leadership on a Northwestern defense that frequently ranked among the Big Ten’s best. Although he’s not a household name like some other high-profile transfers, his addition to the linebacker corps adds much-needed depth and experience. His versatility and ability to play both inside and outside linebacker give defensive coordinator Al Golden flexibility in how to deploy him on game days.
Impact on Spring Practice:
The linebacker position is one of the most critical for Notre Dame’s defense, and Kiser’s arrival provides an immediate boost. During spring practice, Kiser will have the opportunity to adjust to Freeman’s defensive schemes and get acquainted with the team’s defensive philosophy. His leadership will be especially important for the younger players in the linebacker group, many of whom are still finding their footing.
Kiser’s football acumen and experience will help him integrate quickly, and his ability to play in different linebacker roles could make him a key piece of the defense moving forward. He’s not just a stopgap; he could be a significant contributor for the Irish in 2025.
3. Aidan Gobaira – Defensive End (Clemson)
Background:
The defensive line is always a position of great importance for Notre Dame, and Aidan Gobaira’s addition should only strengthen an already stout front. Gobaira, a transfer from Clemson, spent his previous seasons honing his skills with one of the best defensive units in the country. Known for his ability to rush the passer and disrupt offensive lines, Gobaira brings a rare combination of size and athleticism. His physicality and explosiveness give the Irish a major weapon on the edge.
Impact on Spring Practice:
Defensive coordinator Al Golden will be excited to integrate Gobaira into the rotation for spring practice. With Notre Dame’s defensive line always a point of strength, Gobaira adds depth to the group and could provide a serious pass-rushing threat opposite established stars like Isaiah Foskey and Jayson Ademilola.
Spring ball will give Gobaira the chance to adjust to the Irish’s defensive schemes and work alongside his new teammates. His ability to get after the quarterback could be the difference-maker in critical matchups, and the more time he gets in spring practice, the better prepared he’ll be for the fall.
4. Benjamin Morrison – Cornerback (Oklahoma State)
Background:
The addition of Benjamin Morrison, a transfer from Oklahoma State, is a crucial one for the Notre Dame secondary. The Irish defense has long been a program staple, but the team needed an infusion of talent at cornerback. Morrison brings that to the table, providing a proven commodity in the secondary. His ability to lock down wide receivers and make plays on the ball makes him an ideal fit for Freeman’s aggressive defensive schemes.
At Oklahoma State, Morrison made a name for himself as one of the Big 12’s top cornerbacks, regularly facing some of the conference’s best wideouts. His experience in a high-profile conference should help him acclimate quickly to Notre Dame’s high standards and pressure-packed schedule.
Impact on Spring Practice:
With Benjamin Morrison in the mix, the Irish cornerbacks will have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and work toward becoming one of the best defensive back units in the nation. Spring practice will be vital for Morrison to build rapport with the coaching staff and his new teammates, as well as to become comfortable in Notre Dame’s defensive system.
Given the Irish’s tough schedule ahead, Morrison’s ability to compete with and shut down opposing wide receivers will be paramount. His presence in spring practice allows for critical repetitions in preparation for the challenges of the upcoming season.
5. Will Davis – Wide Receiver (Alabama)
Background:
Will Davis, a talented wide receiver from Alabama, adds much-needed depth and talent to Notre Dame’s receiving corps. Having spent time with one of the top programs in the country, Davis brings championship-caliber experience to South Bend. While he didn’t have the opportunity to be a primary target at Alabama due to the depth of talent at the position, his physicality and ability to make plays down the field make him an intriguing addition to the Irish offense.
Impact on Spring Practice:
As the Irish look to build chemistry between Sam Hartman and his wide receivers, Davis could be one of the standout players to emerge during spring practice. His time at Alabama has given him exposure to a high level of competition, and now he has the chance to prove himself as a key contributor at Notre Dame.
During spring practices, Davis will be working to refine his route-running and develop a rapport with Hartman. If he can stay healthy and perform well, Davis could become a primary option in the Irish passing game, helping to diversify the offense and give the team another weapon in the passing attack.
6. Chris Tyree – Running Back (Georgia Tech)
Background:
The running back room at Notre Dame has been one of its most consistent strengths in recent years, but adding Chris Tyree from Georgia Tech adds another dynamic weapon to the group. Known for his speed and versatility, Tyree’s ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a dangerous dual-threat option. He’s shown flashes of greatness during his time at Georgia Tech and will be looking to prove that he can do the same at Notre Dame.
Impact on Spring Practice:
Tyree’s integration into Notre Dame’s offense will be a key storyline during spring practice. With Audric Estime emerging as the feature back, Tyree will likely be used as a complementary piece, working as a change-of-pace option and as a weapon in the passing game. His speed on the edge could provide a much-needed spark for the offense, especially in situations where the Irish need to stretch the defense.
During spring practice, Tyree will work to fine-tune his role in Notre Dame’s offense and adjust to the team’s blocking schemes. His versatility could make him a critical asset moving forward.