Notre Dame football has made a decisive move ahead of the 2024 season: they will not be seeking a quarterback through the transfer portal. Head coach Marcus Freeman has expressed confidence in the current roster, emphasizing the talent and potential within the team.
This decision comes despite the success of previous transfer quarterbacks who have led the Irish to impressive records and playoff appearances.
Notre Dame’s Transfer Quarterback Success
Since 2021, Notre Dame has seen remarkable results from transfer quarterbacks.
Jack Coan from Wisconsin, Sam Hartman from Wake Forest, and Riley Leonard from Duke have collectively achieved a 31-6 record. This trio has been responsible for 84 touchdowns and only 20 interceptions, showcasing the effectiveness of the transfer strategy in recent years.
Jack Coan: A Strong Start
Jack Coan set the stage with an 11-2 record in Brian Kelly’s final season. His performance laid a solid foundation for the Irish, proving that the transfer portal could be a valuable resource for the team.
Sam Hartman: Continuing the Legacy
Following Coan, Sam Hartman took the reins and led the team to a 9-3 record in 2023. His decision to opt out of the Sun Bowl didn’t overshadow his contributions throughout the season.
Riley Leonard: The Latest Success
Currently, Riley Leonard has guided Notre Dame to an 11-1 record, preparing the team for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. His dual-threat capabilities have been a significant asset, continuing the trend of successful transfer quarterbacks.
Confidence in Current Quarterbacks
Despite the success of transfer quarterbacks, Freeman is confident in the current roster.
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Steve Angeli, who led the team to a 40-8 victory in the Sun Bowl, is the frontrunner for the starting position. Angeli has shown promise with 224 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions this season.
The Rising Stars
Alongside Angeli, four-star freshman CJ Carr and second-year quarterback Kenny Minchey are expected to compete for the starting job.
Freeman believes each quarterback brings unique talents and areas for improvement, creating a strong and competitive environment.
Blake Hebert: A Promising Addition
Blake Hebert, a former Clemson commit, will join the team as an early enrollee in January. Freeman and general manager Chad Bowden have praised Hebert’s leadership qualities and competitive spirit, highlighting his potential to contribute to the team’s success.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Strength
This season, Notre Dame’s defense has been a formidable force, boasting the nation’s top-rated pass efficiency defense.
Several quarterbacks who faced the Irish this fall have entered the transfer portal, underscoring the challenge of competing against such a strong defensive unit.
Notable Opponents
- Ethan Hampton of Northern Illinois
- Conner Weigman of Texas A&M
- Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson of Stanford
- Zach Pyron of Georgia Tech
- Anthony Colandrea of Virginia
These quarterbacks experienced firsthand the difficulty of overcoming Notre Dame’s defense, contributing to their decisions to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Tyler Buchner’s Role
Tyler Buchner, a walk-on wideout and lacrosse midfielder, could be added to the quarterback mix if any current players decide to transfer.
Buchner has previous experience as a starter and has been praised for his work on special teams and as a scout-team quarterback.
Special Teams Contributions
Buchner has made notable contributions on special teams, converting fourth downs on fakes against Georgia Tech and USC. His versatility and experience make him a valuable asset to the team.
Looking Ahead
As Notre Dame prepares for the upcoming season, the decision to rely on their current quarterback roster reflects a strategic move by Freeman and his staff.
The focus will be on developing the talents within the team, fostering a competitive environment, and continuing the legacy of success.
Early Enrollees and Fresh Talent
In addition to Hebert, Notre Dame will welcome several early enrollees in January, including left tackle Matty Augustine and safety Ethan Long. These new additions will join the team with the goal of making an immediate impact.
Freeman’s Vision
Freeman’s confidence in the quarterback room and his belief in the players’ potential highlight his vision for the team.
By nurturing the existing talent and fostering a competitive spirit, Freeman aims to build a cohesive and successful unit.
For more details on Notre Dame’s decision and insights from Coach Freeman, visit the South Bend Tribune.
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