Notre Dame’s Top Football Transfers of the Past Decade: Ranking the 30 Best Additions to the Fighting Irish Roster

Over the last decade, the transfer portal has dramatically reshaped college football, and Notre Dame has increasingly tapped into it to bolster its roster. While historically the Fighting Irish built their foundation through high school recruiting, the evolving landscape under coaches like Brian Kelly and Marcus Freeman has embraced transfers as essential contributors—whether to plug immediate holes, elevate competition, or bring veteran experience into South Bend. Ranking Notre Dame’s top 30 football transfers from the past ten years is no small task, as the Irish have brought in a blend of blue-chip names, productive veterans, and under-the-radar additions who ended up playing significant roles.

At the top of the list is Jack Coan, the Wisconsin transfer quarterback who arrived in 2021 and brought a steady hand to the offense. In just one season, Coan threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading Notre Dame to an 11-2 record and a Fiesta Bowl appearance. His poise, command of the huddle, and leadership helped bridge the gap between Ian Book’s departure and the rise of future quarterbacks. Though not flashy, Coan’s presence was invaluable, and his lone season in South Bend proved highly effective.

Following Coan is Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who transferred from Ohio State in 2023 and quickly became one of the Irish’s top defensive playmakers. As a defensive end, Jean-Baptiste brought both production and professionalism, finishing his final season with career-highs in sacks and tackles for loss. His ability to collapse the pocket helped solidify Notre Dame’s defensive front and elevated the unit to among the best in the country.

Brandon Joseph, a 2022 transfer from Northwestern, also belongs in the top tier. A former All-American safety, Joseph didn’t quite replicate his Big Ten-level stats but still brought intelligence and range to the secondary. His veteran presence and football IQ allowed him to quarterback the defense and helped stabilize the back end of Al Golden’s system.

Ben Skowronek, who arrived from Northwestern in 2020, turned into an essential target for Ian Book during Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run. Skowronek’s versatility as both a wide receiver and occasional fullback made him a unique weapon in Tommy Rees’ offense. He finished the year with five touchdown receptions and later carved out a role in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams, highlighting his steady rise.

Cody Riggs, who transferred in 2014 from Florida, was a reliable cornerback in a time of flux for Notre Dame’s secondary. Riggs brought SEC experience and provided steady play throughout his final season, helping lead the Irish to a 7-0 start and an appearance in the Music City Bowl. He played nearly every snap of the season and was one of the team’s best defenders in coverage.

Nick McCloud transferred in from NC State in 2020 and gave the Irish secondary a jolt with his physicality and consistency. He emerged as the team’s top corner, helping Notre Dame reach the College Football Playoff. McCloud’s ability to match up against top receivers proved crucial in wins over Clemson and North Carolina.

Another impactful addition was Thomas Harper, a 2023 transfer from Oklahoma State. Though his Notre Dame career was relatively short, Harper brought versatility at nickelback and became a glue guy in the Irish secondary. His knack for finding the football and delivering hard hits helped shape Notre Dame’s improved pass defense.

Kicker Blake Grupe, a transfer from Arkansas State, made his lone season in South Bend count in 2022. Grupe hit 14 of 19 field goal attempts and all 49 extra points, providing consistency and confidence in the kicking game—a need that had been shaky for Notre Dame in prior seasons.

Not to be forgotten is Cain Madden, the former Marshall guard who transferred in 2021. While Madden received preseason All-American buzz, his Notre Dame performance was more solid than spectacular. Still, he was a key part of an offensive line that battled injuries and inexperience. His maturity and physicality helped stabilize the unit.

Among under-the-radar gems, safety Alohi Gilman, who transferred from Navy in 2017, stands out. After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, Gilman became a vocal leader and playmaker in the Irish secondary. He played a vital role in Notre Dame’s undefeated 2018 regular season and College Football Playoff appearance. His instincts and tackling ability endeared him to fans and NFL scouts alike.

Quarterback Sam Hartman was arguably the most high-profile transfer Notre Dame has landed in the portal era. The longtime Wake Forest starter joined the Irish in 2023 and delivered a mixed bag. He started hot with a dominant performance in Dublin against Navy and a thrilling win over Duke, but struggles in key moments—including the loss to Ohio State—kept his legacy from being elite. Nonetheless, his leadership and experience made him a valuable asset.

Wide receiver Chris Tyree, who transitioned to the slot before transferring to Virginia in 2024, deserves a mention for his versatility. Though he began his Notre Dame career as a running back, Tyree’s value expanded with his role as a return man and pass-catcher. His explosive speed and shiftiness added a layer to the offense, and he had several key touchdowns during his Irish tenure.

Defensive lineman Jayson Ademilola is often remembered alongside his brother Justin, but Jayson transferred in early from prep school and emerged as one of the more consistent interior linemen Notre Dame had during the Marcus Freeman era. He wasn’t technically a portal addition, but his path and impact mirrored many transfer contributors.

Among role players, DJ Brown, who came from Georgia and developed into a reliable safety, deserves credit. Though not always a starter, Brown played meaningful snaps and was rarely out of position. His work ethic and ability to handle multiple roles gave the coaching staff flexibility on the back end.

Tight end George Takacs, though never a full-time starter, transferred to Boston College after graduating and became a key piece of their offense. His departure showed Notre Dame’s depth at tight end but also highlighted how well-developed their transfer-out players can become.

Among defensive reinforcements, linebacker Jordan Genmark Heath, who came from and later transferred to UCLA, contributed in rotational packages and special teams. Though his time at Notre Dame wasn’t lengthy, he provided depth when needed.

Quarterback Phil Jurkovec had one of the more complicated transfer stories. A top recruit who struggled to find the field behind Ian Book, Jurkovec transferred to Boston College and had early success before injuries derailed his career. His transfer represents a cautionary tale of timing and system fit, but his raw talent was never in doubt.

Running back Logan Diggs, though an original Irish signee, transferred to LSU and played a major role in their offense. His departure underscored the new reality of roster fluidity. While not a transfer into Notre Dame, his story reflects the program’s challenges in player retention as well as acquisition.

Cornerback Cam Hart wasn’t a transfer, but given how many corners have cycled in and out of the program, his long-term presence allowed the staff to be selective with transfer additions like McCloud and Riggs.

Quarterback Tyler Buchner, after transferring to Alabama in 2023 and returning to lacrosse, left a murky legacy at Notre Dame. Injuries and inconsistency limited his success, but his decision to leave opened the door for Hartman and a new offensive identity.

In the trenches, Chris Smith, a 2022 transfer from Harvard, was a sneaky-good addition who provided run-stuffing depth at defensive tackle. His Ivy League experience and high football IQ made him a great fit, even in limited reps.

Receiver Kaleb Smith, who transferred in but medically retired before playing, doesn’t rank highly but reminds fans of the volatility that can come with portal additions.

Other names that round out the top 30 include defensive backs such as Isaiah Pryor (Ohio State), linebacker Osita Ekwonu (positionally flexible and useful in depth), and offensive linemen like Liam Eichenberg, who while not a transfer, paved the way for a line that needed minimal outside help.

As the sport continues to evolve, the transfer portal remains a key tool in maintaining competitive depth. Under Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame appears more open than ever to leveraging it smartly—targeting graduate transfers and veterans who fit the academic and cultural standards of the university. The last decade has shown that Notre Dame can land impact players when it chooses carefully, and as the Irish aim for another College Football Playoff run, expect this list to grow and evolve in the years to come.