The landscape of college basketball is shifting fast, and Notre Dame’s right in the thick of it. With the NCAA transfer portal about to open, the Fighting Irish are bracing for some big changes that could totally reshape their roster.
This yearly wave of players coming and going has become normal in today’s college hoops world. Every team feels it, from the ones knocked out early to those that make deep tournament runs.
For Notre Dame, the next few weeks are sure to be busy. Players will look for fresh starts, and the coaching staff has to juggle keeping their own guys while hunting for new talent.
The Impact of the NCAA Transfer Portal
Over the last four seasons, the transfer portal has flipped college basketball upside down. Players who aren’t happy with their current spot can now jump to a new team with just a few clicks.
Last spring, more than 2,300 players entered the portal—enough to fill 153 rosters. That’s wild, right? This year, everyone expects that number to go up even more.
The portal officially opens on April 7, right after the national champ’s crowned, and closes April 21. With only 14 days to make moves, things are going to get frantic.
Notre Dame’s Recent Transfer History
Notre Dame’s had its share of transfers lately. Under head coach Micah Shrewsberry, some big names have left in each of the past two seasons.
In 2024, Carey Booth left for Illinois but didn’t see much playing time. Then Tae Davis took a strong NIL offer from Oklahoma, and J.R. Konieczny chased a bigger role at Florida Gulf Coast.
Now, the Irish are gearing up for another round of possible departures this spring.
Who Might Leave Notre Dame?
As the portal opens, rumors are swirling about which Notre Dame players might be eyeing a move. The team already knows power forwards Matthew MacLellan and Carson Towt are gone—both grad transfers who’ve used up their eligibility.
Senior Kebba Njie, who came from Penn State in 2023, is also out of eligibility. Still, there’s some buzz he might try for a fifth season.
Potential Departures
Here are a few others who could be on the move for different reasons:
- Sir Mohammed and Garrett Sundra: Both sophomores might want a fresh start somewhere else.
- Cole Certa: A big NIL offer from a bigger program could tempt him away.
- Ryder Frost: As a freshman, he might not see enough minutes next year to stick around.
- Markus Burton and Jalen Haralson: Even though most expect them back, you never really know.
Shrewsberry’s Approach to the Transfer Portal
Coach Micah Shrewsberry really values transparency and open conversations. He tells players straight up where they stand and what might change.
He hopes this keeps surprises to a minimum and makes sure everyone’s on the same page during all the portal chaos.
The Core Group
Despite the uncertainty, Shrewsberry thinks he’s got a core group that’s sticking with the program. These players believe in what the team’s building and want to help Notre Dame take the next step.
The staff’s focus is on holding onto this core and finding new pieces to fill any holes that pop up.
The Broader Context of College Basketball
The transfer portal isn’t just a Notre Dame thing—it’s everywhere. Every Division I team, whether they’re winning or losing, has to deal with it.
If you can’t adapt, you’ll fall behind. That’s just reality now.
Adapting to Change
Notre Dame has to be aggressive, both in keeping its own players and bringing in new faces. The coaches have to juggle what the team needs right now with bigger-picture goals.
That means scouting transfers and using NIL deals to keep key guys around. It’s a tricky balance, honestly.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks are going to be huge for Notre Dame basketball. As the portal opens, the team will be right in the middle of the action, with decisions flying left and right.
Shrewsberry and his staff will have to steer through the madness, hoping to come out on the other side with a stronger, more competitive squad. It’s never dull, that’s for sure.
Final Thoughts
The transfer portal keeps shaking up college basketball. For Notre Dame, it’s both a headache and a shot at something bigger.
Change is tough, but the Fighting Irish have a shot if they keep their eyes on the future. They’ll need to adapt, sure, but there’s plenty of room to grow if they get it right.
Want more updates or just curious about how Notre Dame is handling the portal? Check out the South Bend Tribune.
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