The biggest Notre Dame transfer portal need just got even larger following unfortunate roster news
Notre Dame football was dealt with some difficult roster news this week – adds to their portal priorities.
With the transfer portal set to open on January 2, there is little question what the biggest need on the Notre Dame roster is right now. With Jason Onye, Gabriel Rubio, and Jared Dawson all off to the NFL, the defensive tackle depth chart was one that had to be replenished. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish were dealt another difficult blow to that interior when it was announced that captain Donovan Hinish was medically retiring due to a shoulder injury.
Hinish was a valuable two-year performer for Notre Dame, playing in 27 total games for the Irish. Although a smaller player at 6-2 and 277 pounds, Hinish defied the odds and became an important rotational player for a very talented defense. The Pittsburgh native ends his career with 57 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and one pass breakup. His interior pressure and leadership will be greatly missed by his peers.
Notre Dame’s transfer portal plans
Even before Hinish had to retire, defensive tackle was a massive need for the Irish defense. They needed at least one interior defensive lineman, and you could have argued that they needed two. With the additional loss, there is no questioning that Freeman and the Irish staff need to pursue at least two defensive tackles. You only have one player who was a part of the rotation last season with Elijah Hughes, which is a bad place to be.
Perhaps players like Armel Mukam, Sean Sevillano, and Cole Mullins take a massive jump, but if they don’t, the position is going to be in rough shape. Notre Dame seemingly has a winning window heading into the 2026 college football season, and they can’t waste it because their interior defensive line is not up to standard. It is a very important position and an obvious hole on the current roster.
Luckily for the Irish, there is a healthy defensive tackle market out there as the portal opens up. An early name to know is Mateen Ibirogba from Wake Forest. While the box score isn’t anything special, the 6-4, 296-pound interior rusher is a very talented player who is only getting better after beginning his career as a defensive end at FCS Georgetown. I expect Notre Dame to have a lot of interest in him, along with several other talented defensive tackles.
How the Irish fill out their defensive line could make or break their chance at a championship in 2026. The next couple of weeks promise to be filled with chaos, rumors, and hopefully a lot of excitement for Notre Dame fans.
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