The NCAA Football transfer portal opens on January 2. Several Notre Dame players have already announced plans to transfer.
This post takes a look at key Notre Dame players entering the portal. You’ll find career stats, some thoughts on where they might land, and what their exits could mean for the team. For all the details, check out the Notre Dame Transfer Portal Tracker.
Key Players Entering the Transfer Portal
Notre Dame will lose a mix of experienced and younger players as the portal opens. Let’s get into a few names who’ve already announced their intentions.
CB Karson Hobbs
Karson Hobbs, a sophomore cornerback who played nickel, has two years of eligibility left. He started off with solid playing time, filling in for DeVonta Smith in the first two games, but later dropped down the depth chart.
In two seasons, Hobbs managed two passes defended and one interception, which came in 2025 against NC State.
K Marcello Diomede
Marcello Diomede, a junior walk-on from Illinois, competed for the starting kicker spot after Noah Burnette’s hip injury. Freshman Erik Schmidt ended up with the job, so Diomede stayed the backup.
Over three seasons, Diomede hit 4 of 5 extra points but missed his only field goal attempt—a tough 54-yarder in 2024 against Virginia.
S Ben Minich
Ben Minich, a redshirt junior safety, played in three games as a true freshman in 2023. In the next two years, he showed up in 26 of 28 games, mostly on special teams.
He brings versatility and experience, which could help another program looking for depth.
S JaDon Blair
JaDon Blair, a freshman safety, saw just 19 snaps, all in the last home game versus Syracuse. Blair ranked as the No. 11 safety in the 2025 class, according to Rivals.
He didn’t get much playing time, but the potential’s there.
RB Gi’Bran Payne
Gi’Bran Payne, a redshirt senior running back with one year left, had his best season in 2023. That year, he ran 45 times for 168 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Programs looking for a steady back might give him a close look.
S Taebron Bennie-Powell
Taebron Bennie-Powell, a sophomore safety and three-star recruit from 2024, didn’t play as a freshman. He got 13 snaps against Syracuse in 2025.
Bennie-Powell will probably look for a place where he can get on the field more and show what he can do.
CB Chance Tucker
Chance Tucker spent five seasons at Notre Dame and still has a year of eligibility. Two season-ending knee injuries in 2024 and 2025 slowed him down.
He played 70 snaps total in 2023 and 2025. If he’s healthy, his experience could be valuable elsewhere.
QB Anthony Rezac
Anthony Rezac, a walk-on quarterback, spent two seasons as a practice player. He never got into a game for Notre Dame.
Rezac’s move to the portal probably means he’s searching for a shot at real playing time.
QB Kenny Minchey
Kenny Minchey, a redshirt junior quarterback, has two years left. Over three seasons, he completed 23 out of 29 passes (79 percent) and rushed nine times for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
His accuracy and ability to run make him an interesting option for teams that need a quarterback.
Looking Ahead
The transfer portal just opened up, and honestly, it’s going to be fascinating to watch where these Notre Dame players end up. Will they find the right fit and actually thrive somewhere else? That’s always the big question.
The portal’s become a huge part of college football now. It gives players a shot at a fresh start, maybe a place that suits them better.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has to focus on reloading and getting ready for next season. Even with some guys leaving, they’ll want to stay right in the mix.
If you want more details on who’s transferring, check out the Notre Dame Transfer Portal Tracker.
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