Notre Dame football may have a sneaky transfer portal need to fill this offseason – already some intriguing options on the table
Notre Dame football has transfer portal options on the table from a sneaky position of need.
When it comes to Notre Dame football, the tight end position is one that most fans don’t typically worry much about. The Fighting Irish have a long history of recruiting and developing the position, with names such as Mark Bavaro, Dave Casper, Tyler Eifert, Kyle Rudolph, and Michael Mayer quickly coming to mind. There’s usually always a great option waiting in the wings.
While there are some really impressive younger options on the roster, including Ian Premer and James Flanigan, Marcus Freeman’s squad brings back very little proven production to the table heading into the 2026 season with Eli Raridon off to the NFL. Even though tight end is still not a top transfer portal need, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Irish staff keep their eyes open for potential options. There are already some intriguing players out there.
Redshirt junior Cooper Flanagan is a very good player, but he is still fully recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered at the end of the 2024 season. If Flanagan doesn’t return to his old self, that hurts the top of the depth chart for Notre Dame. Veteran Ty Washington should serve as a depth piece, while Jack Larsen has shown very little to give anyone confidence he will develop into an important piece.
If one of Premer or Flanigan (or both) show that they are ready to be legitimate contributors in the room, then the portal won’t be much of a need for Notre Dame. If offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock isn’t optimistic for early contributions, it would make some sense to find a proven veteran. While the portal won’t open until January 2, there is already an impressive group of tight end options to get excited about.
Early transfer portal options
Brody Foley (Tulsa)
Foley is a player that Denbrock, Freeman, and even wide receivers coach Mike Brown is probably very familiar with after recruiting him while with the Cincinnati program. He began his career with the Indiana Hoosiers, but spent this past season with the Tulsa program. During that lone season, Foley developed into one of the most productive tight ends in all of college football.
At 6-6 and 260 pounds, Foley has the size to play inline. He also has some surprising movement skills for his size as well, offering a ton of upside in the passing game. In 2025, Foley managed to haul in 37 receptions for 528 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite Foley coming from a lower level, his talent would allow him to translate well to Notre Dame.
Benjamin Brahmer (Iowa State)
Speaking of size, Brahmer is a massive receiving threat at 6-7 and 255 pounds. During his three years with the Cyclones, he has managed to haul in 75 receptions for 977 yards and nine touchdowns. The odds are probably in Penn State’s favor to follow head coach Matt Campbell, but it would be a mistake for the Irish star not to at least reach out. This is a future NFL player who would bring a big boost to the room.
Hayden Hansen (Florida)
He isn’t as sexy of a receiving threat as the other two, but Hansen is a very good inline tight end. Blocker is his specialty, which isn’t a surprise at 6-8 at 269 pounds. Hansen is a solid enough of a pass catcher but he would just be a good rotational piece in that regard. If you think a Premer is ready to go, Hansen would be a nice compliment to potentially play some 12 personnel. That’s why Hansen wouldn’t be my first option, but interesting nonetheless.
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