Notre dame Navigates Spring transfer Portal as Roster Adjustments Loom; Angeli Enters Sweepstakes
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The spring transfer window, open as Wednesday, April 16, is set to close next week on April 25, placing Notre Dame and other college football programs in a strategic dance to manage their rosters. the Fighting Irish, under head coach Marcus Freeman, are among the teams actively working to stay within the NCAA-mandated 105-player roster limit.
With departures possibly outpacing arrivals, the question on everyone’s mind is: which players will leave, and will any departures prompt Freeman and his staff to actively pursue talent in the transfer portal?
Players Departing Notre Dame
several players have already entered the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities. Here’s a breakdown:
| Player | Position | Remaining Eligibility | Date Entered | New School |
|——————-|—————|———————-|————-|————|
| Kennedy Urlacher | Safety | 3 years | April 16 | TBA |
| Rino Monteforte | long Snapper | 2 years | april 16 | TBA |
| Zac Yoakam | Kicker | 1 year | April 17 | TBA |
| Steve Angeli | Quarterback | 2 years | april 17 | TBA |
The most notable name on this list is quarterback steve Angeli. Angeli’s entry into the portal creates uncertainty due to his solid showing in the orange Bowl against Penn State. Angeli started in place of Riley Leonard, who was injured.
Notre Dame’s Potential Portal Targets
As of today, no players have committed to Notre Dame through the transfer portal during this spring window. While there’s no guarantee any will, the coaching staff remains vigilant. The portal offers an opportunity to address immediate needs or bolster specific position groups.
National Landscape: Iamaleava’s Impact and the Quarterback Carousel
The biggest news nationally is centered around Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. “Nico Iamaleava entering the transfer portal after leading Tennessee to the College Football Playoff has been the biggest news in this portal cycle,” according to sources. While unconfirmed, “Iamaleava is said to be headed closer to home as he’s expected to land at UCLA.”
Iamaleava’s potential departure raises questions about the quarterback situation at Tennessee. “Who replaces him at quarterback at Tennessee?” The question looms large, with speculation about potential replacements, including, “Could it possibly be Steve angeli or where else may the former Notre Dame quarterback head?”
The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword
The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, offering both opportunities and challenges.
It is indeed not uncommon for teams,like Notre Dame,to “work to remain within the 105-player roster limit,” which might include encouraging those on the lower end of the depth chart to consider other options to obtain more play time.
For players, it provides a chance to seek better playing time, a different coaching style, or a program that better fits their academic goals. For teams, it’s a speedy way to fill holes in the roster and add experienced talent.However, the constant influx of new players can disrupt team chemistry and create uncertainty. There’s also the risk of losing valuable players to other programs. The portal can also be a detriment as it allows a player to enter without speaking to the coaching staff frist.
FAQ: Navigating the Transfer Portal
what is the NCAA transfer portal? The NCAA transfer portal is an online database that allows college athletes to inform their current school that they intend to transfer. It also allows other schools to view the athlete’s profile and contact them.
When are the transfer portal windows? There are two primary transfer portal windows: one in the fall/winter (typically after the regular season ends) and one in the spring (usually after spring practices). The spring window opened April 16 and closes April 25 this year. How many times can a player transfer? Under current NCAA rules, players can transfer one time without having to sit out a year. If they transfer a second time,they may be required to sit out a season unless they receive a waiver.
Does a coach have to approve the transfer request? No, a player does not need their coach’s approval to enter the transfer portal. However, maintaining a good relationship with the coaching staff can be beneficial for future opportunities.
* Are there any restrictions on where a player can transfer? While there used to be restrictions on transferring within the same conference, those rules have largely been relaxed due to legal challenges. However, some schools may have their own policies regarding transfers to rival institutions.
