Malachi Fields, makes a spectacular one handed catch against Pitt. Fields is just one of the transfer protal players who have hit for Marcus Freeman. (Photo: AJ Houk)
The college football transfer portal officially opened Friday, and Notre Dame has wasted no time getting to work. The Fighting Irish already have eight players scheduled to visit South Bend, and the list below highlights those expected as head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff look to bolster the roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Here’s a closer look at those expected:
Nick Marsh — WR, Michigan State
A sophomore wide receiver, Marsh led Michigan State in receiving yards this past season. He totaled 59 receptions for 662 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 after posting 41 catches for 649 yards and three scores as a freshman.
If Marsh transfers, he could quickly emerge as a top target for quarterback CJ Carr next season. (Hayes Fawcett, On3)
Xavier Townsend — WR, Iowa State (Graduate Transfer)
Townsend spent three seasons at UCF before transferring to Iowa State last season. He finished 2024 with 18 receptions for 243 yards.
Over the course of his college career, Townsend has totaled 84 receptions for 764 yards and four touchdowns. (Chris Hummer, 247Sports)
Ian Strong — WR, Rutgers
A junior wide receiver, Strong had an impressive season with 52 receptions for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns. Over his college career, he has 111 receptions for 1,668 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Strong would be a valuable addition to Notre Dame’s wide receiver corps. (Hayes Fawcett, On3)
Jalen Thompson — DL, Michigan State
A junior defensive lineman, Thompson appeared in three seasons at Michigan State. This past year, he recorded 29 total tackles (15 solo), 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection.
For his career, Thompson has compiled 65 tackles (26 solo), 4.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble. (Allen Trieu, 247Sports)
Jontez Williams — DB, Iowa State
Williams, a junior defensive back, appeared in five games during the 2024 season and recorded 15 tackles (nine solo), two pass deflections, and one interception.
Across his career, Williams has totaled 67 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and five interceptions. (Hayes Fawcett, On3)
Horace Lockett — DT, UCF
Lockett, a junior defensive tackle, played in four games last season and finished with 12 tackles (eight solo), two pass deflections, and one sack.
For his career, Lockett has recorded 34 tackles (16 solo), two pass deflections, and one sack. (Matt Zenitz, 247Sports)
Mateen Ibirogba — DL, Wake Forest
Ibirogba recorded 21 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble during the 2024 season.
Over his college career, the junior defensive lineman has totaled 66 tackles (35 solo), 7.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. (Matt Zenitz, 247Sports)
Xavier Gilliam — DT, Penn State
Gilliam, a freshman defensive tackle, appeared in limited action during his true freshman season, recording 16 total tackles (12 solo) and one forced fumble. (Hayes Fawcett, On3)
Freeman’s Portal Track Record
Marcus Freeman has demonstrated an ability to leverage the transfer portal effectively. Under his watch, Notre Dame has landed key contributors such as Riley Leonard (Duke), Sam Hartman (Wake Forest), Beaux Collins (Clemson), Malachi Fields (Virginia), Will Pauling (Wisconsin), DeVonta Smith (Alabama), Jordan Clark (Arizona State), and Javontae Jean-Baptiste (Ohio State). That track record shows Freeman’s ability to effectively utilize the portal to upgrade the roster.
With these visits already lined up, Notre Dame is positioning itself for another successful dip into the transfer portal.