In college football, the transfer portal has become an integral part of roster construction. As programs seek to strengthen their teams, the ability to bring in established talent from other schools has reshaped the landscape of college football recruitment. For Notre Dame, the 2024 spring practice represents an important time in its preparation for the upcoming season, with six of the eight incoming transfers already in South Bend for early enrollment.
These transfers are more than just additions to the roster; they represent Notre Dame’s continued commitment to enhancing both sides of the ball and reinforcing areas of need. With the changes in the NCAA transfer rules, allowing players to enter and exit the portal with relative ease, teams like the Fighting Irish are using this to their advantage to accelerate their quest for a national championship.
This article delves into the significance of these transfers for the program, breaking down how each of the six transfers could impact the team’s performance this spring and in the 2024 season. We will also analyze the broader implications for Notre Dame football as it navigates the evolving college football ecosystem.
Notre Dame’s Transfer Strategy: Addressing Needs and Building Depth
Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has built a strong foundation of recruiting talent from high school, but the team has also strategically used the transfer portal to address specific needs. As the team transitions into Freeman’s third season, his understanding of where the Irish need to improve has shaped how they’ve approached the portal.
In the 2024 cycle, Freeman and his staff targeted players who could make an immediate impact. With the rise of the transfer portal in college football, this strategy has allowed Notre Dame to address key areas of the team, including offensive line depth, skill position players, and defensive reinforcements. In a competitive landscape where top-tier teams often seek experienced talent to bolster their rosters, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been no different.
The six incoming transfers who have already arrived in South Bend for spring practice represent a blend of players from different programs, each bringing a unique skill set and experience to the table. Whether it’s bolstering the defense, reinforcing the offensive line, or adding playmakers to the skill positions, each player is expected to contribute right away, providing a crucial boost to the team during spring drills.
Key Transfers Already in South Bend
1. Braylon James – Wide Receiver (Texas)
One of the most highly anticipated transfers in 2024 is Braylon James, the former Texas Longhorns wide receiver. After spending two seasons in Austin, James made the decision to transfer to Notre Dame in hopes of taking on a more prominent role in the Irish offense. Standing at 6’3” with a strong frame and impressive speed, James possesses the tools to be a playmaker in the Notre Dame passing game.
During his time at Texas, James showed flashes of his talent, though he was buried on the depth chart behind some established playmakers. The move to Notre Dame allows him the opportunity to become a featured target in an offense that could use an explosive wide receiver to complement its strong running game. As an early arrival for spring practice, James will have the chance to integrate himself into the offense and form a rapport with quarterback Sam Hartman, potentially allowing him to make an immediate impact in 2024.
James is exactly the type of player Notre Dame has been seeking to add to its roster. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability could elevate the Irish offense, which has historically been reliant on a strong running game and has struggled at times to develop a consistent passing attack.
2. Cooper Flanagan – Tight End (California)
Cooper Flanagan, a former California Golden Bears tight end, has also made the move to Notre Dame, and his arrival could prove significant for the Irish offense. Flanagan is a highly regarded player with impressive size at 6’5″ and a strong ability as both a blocker and a pass catcher. During his time at California, he displayed flashes of his potential as a dual-threat tight end, but with the Irish, he will have an opportunity to thrive in an offense that frequently utilizes tight ends.
The tight end position has historically been a cornerstone of the Notre Dame offense, with players like Michael Mayer becoming household names. Flanagan’s skill set makes him an ideal candidate to fill that role in 2024. His addition to the program enhances the depth of a talented group of tight ends and provides the Irish with a reliable target in the passing game. His ability to block will also be crucial in supporting the Irish’s offensive line and providing extra protection for Hartman.
Flanagan’s arrival will allow Notre Dame to have multiple playmaking options at tight end, which will be crucial in an offense that has historically leaned heavily on the position.
3. Dante Moore – Quarterback (Oregon)
One of the highest-profile transfers for Notre Dame in 2024 is Dante Moore, a former Oregon Ducks quarterback who will be joining the Irish after spending his first season with the Ducks. Moore is a highly talented quarterback with excellent mechanics, accuracy, and poise under pressure. While his decision to transfer to Notre Dame was initially a surprise to many, it’s clear that Moore was drawn to the opportunity to compete for the starting role in South Bend.
Moore has the potential to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, and his arrival in spring practice gives him a chance to build chemistry with his new teammates. While Sam Hartman remains the presumptive starter for the 2024 season, Moore’s presence ensures that the Irish will have a highly capable backup with the potential to step in if needed. His addition strengthens the depth in the quarterback room, which was a key area of concern for Notre Dame in previous seasons.
Moore’s mobility and arm strength, paired with his leadership ability, make him a dangerous weapon for the Irish offense. His presence in spring practice will be key to accelerating his development as he adapts to the Notre Dame system.
4. Jamal Jarrett – Defensive Tackle (Georgia)
On the defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame has also made a significant move by bringing in Jamal Jarrett, a 6’4″, 310-pound defensive tackle from Georgia. Jarrett is a powerful player with the size and strength to disrupt offensive lines and clog up running lanes. His addition provides immediate depth to Notre Dame’s defensive line, an area the team has emphasized improving over the past few seasons.
Jarrett’s arrival is timely, as Notre Dame looks to improve its defensive line and increase its pass rush. The Irish defense has struggled at times to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Jarrett’s presence will help provide an anchor in the interior. His size will make it difficult for offensive lines to push him off the ball, and his ability to collapse the pocket will be essential in Notre Dame’s defensive game plan.
As a spring enrollee, Jarrett will have the opportunity to quickly integrate into the defensive scheme and start competing for a starting role. His experience in the SEC at Georgia gives him a level of toughness and readiness that should translate well in his new home in South Bend.
5. Javon Green – Cornerback (North Carolina)
A highly touted defensive back from North Carolina, Javon Green is another crucial piece of the puzzle for Notre Dame in 2024. Green possesses excellent coverage skills and has proven to be a solid contributor on the defensive side of the ball. As Notre Dame looks to improve its secondary, Green’s experience will help shore up a cornerback unit that has shown both promise and inconsistency in recent seasons.
Green’s agility and speed make him a dangerous defender in the pass game, and his ability to shut down wide receivers will give the Irish more flexibility in their defensive schemes. His experience against high-level competition in the ACC should give him the confidence and experience needed to contribute immediately. The fact that he is already on campus for spring practice allows him to quickly adapt to the Notre Dame defensive system and build chemistry with his new teammates.
6. Chris Smith – Running Back (Florida)
Finally, Chris Smith, a running back from Florida, brings depth and experience to the Notre Dame backfield. Smith, known for his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, offers a different style of running back to complement the power running game that Notre Dame has traditionally utilized. His arrival will be important for a team that is looking to maintain a balanced offensive attack and avoid over-relying on any single player.
Smith’s skills as a pass catcher out of the backfield will provide Hartman with an additional weapon to utilize in the short passing game. His ability to step in and contribute immediately as part of a deep and talented backfield gives the Irish offensive coordinator more flexibility in his play-calling.
Spring Practice and the Immediate Impact of the Transfers
The fact that six of Notre Dame’s eight incoming transfers are already in South Bend for spring practice offers an important advantage for both the players and the program. Spring practice allows the coaching staff to evaluate their new players, integrate them into the team’s system, and establish chemistry on both sides of the ball. For the transfers, it provides an opportunity to quickly learn the playbook, get acclimated to their new teammates, and position themselves for starting roles or key backup positions.
While it’s early in the process, these incoming transfers will have a significant impact on the team’s overall development. They bring fresh talent, experience, and depth to a roster that is eager to return to its place among college football’s elite programs. With the additional competition at key positions, Notre Dame is poised to have a successful 2024 season and beyond.