With the recent controversy surrounding the dismissal of head coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan football is in a pretty tough spot. Whenever there is a coaching change, roster turnover typically follows shortly after. We are already seeing some members of the 2026 recruiting class begin to get out of their scholarships, and it is expected that Transfer Portal entrants could be on the horizon.

For Notre Dame football, among every other program in college football, they should be keeping their eyes open for potential talent that decides to enter. While there aren’t a ton, there are several players who could make some sense for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish if they choose to enter the portal. Here are a few I have my eyes on.

WR Andrew Marsh (Fr.)

While the Michigan wide receiver room is below average in general, Marsh just put together a very good freshman season for the team. In 12 games, the 6-0, 190-pound pass catcher managed to haul in 42 receptions for 641 yards and three touchdowns. His speed and downfield ability would be coveted on the open market, and should be by the Irish. He’s also a freshman, which would make him a ton easier to via admissions.

RB Jordan Marshall (So.) 

With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price most likely off to the NFL, the Irish running back room is going to look a lot different next season. Gi’bran Payne also feels like an easy Transfer Portal candidate, which would really hurt the overall depth of the room. If Aneyas Williams returns, then you won’t need to consider the portal, but if he does, that conversation needs to be had. Marshall is a veteran runner who has been very productive when getting the opportunity the last two years, and had interest in Notre Dame coming out, although they didn’t pursue him in the 2024 class.

DT Alister Vallejo (incoming Fr.) 

If Vallejo’s name sounds familiar, it is because Notre Dame was extremely high on the Texas native in the 2026 recruiting class. Although Vallejo made a statement about how locked in he is with the Wolverines following the Moore dismissal, those things can change, especially as more information begins to come out. The 6-3, 310-pound interior defender has some high upside and would be a great addition to the Notre Dame defensive tackle room if he chooses to look around.

NB TJ Metcalf (Jr.) 

When Metcalf was at Arkansas previously, he played all over the secondary. In his first season with Michigan, the former Razorback standout found his home inside at nickel, where his movement skills and physicality made him a nice fit. With Dallas Golden in place for Notre Dame, there isn’t as big a portal need at nickel as there has been in the past. If the team would rather have Golden on the outside, or if they want some insurance in the slot, the 6-0, 195-pound Metcalf could be a good fit. 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish News

Notre Dame football considered to be the front runner for an elite recruit whose commitment date is just on the horizon 

Notre Dame continues to trend for priority defender from a very important recruiting area.

Ryan Roberts