With the transfer portal set to open on January 2, every program across college football is getting ready for the roster chaos to follow. Head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football are no different. We have already seen several players announce their intentions of entering, and I expect the Fighting Irish to be aggressive in terms of talent acquisition.

When it comes down to the portal outlook, there are some positions that are much more pressing needs than others. Here is each position ranked in terms of importance. The lower the number, the more important. The higher the number, the little to no importance that it holds on the 2026 outlook.

Biggest Notre Dame portal needs

1. Defensive tackle 

With Jared Dawson, Gabriel Rubio, and Jason Onye (most likely) off to the NFL, defensive tackle is by far the biggest need on the Notre Dame roster right now. You have Donovan Hinish, Elijah Hughes, and some younger talent returning, but you need some impact size inside. Notre Dame needs to add at least one defensive tackle to this roster, but I would argue that you need to take two. That is the biggest need on either offense or defense heading into 2026.

2. Kicker 

I am a noted special teams hater, so there are some who would argue that kicker is actually the biggest need on the current roster, and I am totally fine with that opinion. Sophomore Erik Schmidt should get a chance to compete, but it would be a really bad decision for special teams coordinator Marty Biagi not to put for a proven placekicker. I expect him to do just that.

3. Wide receiver 

Notre Dame has had to go for volume at wide receiver in the past, which I don’t think they have to do this time around due to better depth of talent. I would, however, expect the Irish to go after one wide receiver. That pass catcher is going to have to be someone who can fit in the boundary ideally, bringing impact size to the table. Someone like former Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh would fit the need.

4. Quarterback 

CJ Carr is your starting quarterback as long as he wants to remain with the Irish program. With Kenny Minchey entering the portal, however, there could be a need for a veteran backup to strengthen the floor of the room. I would expect the Irish staff to keep their eyes open for one, even if it is just an emergency option.

5. Tight end

Tight end is a sneaky need for Notre Dame right now. It’s possible that the team feels comfortable with Cooper Flanagan, James Flanigan, and the youngsters (Ian Premer, Preston Fryzel) heading into 2026, but that is very little proven production to speak of. If Flanagan doesn’t get back to his old self pre-Achilles injury, then there could be a need for a starter. I would keep my eyes open in what is a very good tight end portal class.

6. Cornerback 

There’s a chance that Notre Dame looks for a veteran nickel for depth purposes, but it isn’t a foregone conclusion like it typically is. Sophomore Dallas Golden looks ready to take over that starting role on a full-time basis. I would be open to adding a talented veteran if the fit made sense.

7. Running back 

With Aneyas Williams returning in 2026, Notre Dame doesn’t need to go after a running back, but I think they might. A player like Hollywood Smothers (NC State) could be top good for the Irish to pass up on. It’ll be interesting to see what Ja’Juan Seider and the offensive staff decide what to do.

8. Defensive end 

Could Notre Dame add a proven pass rusher to pair with Boubacar Traore? Sure, but that feels like a waste of resources right now. With players like Bryce Young, Joshua Burnham, Loghan Thomas, Rodney Dunham, and Ebenezer Ewetade on the roster, they have more than enough talent to be excited about.

9. Linebacker 

The Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa injury complicated some things a bit, but there is still a load of depth on the roster. There is zero reason to bring in a transfer linebacker barring a mass exodus, which isn’t going to happen.

10. Safety 

Even with JaDon Blair, Taebron Bennie-Powell, and Ben Minich entering the portal, Notre Dame just doesn’t need to entertain a safety in the portal. You will have starters Adon Shuler and Tae Johnson returning, as well as versatile backup Luke Talich. With guys like Joey O’Brien, Ayden Pouncey, and Nick Reddish also coming in, there is plenty of talent to work with.

11. Offensive line 

There is no need for Notre Dame to bring in a high-end offensive lineman in the portal, both now and until the end of time. Even with both Aamil Wagner and Billy Schrauth entering the 2026 NFL Draft, that offensive line room is deeply stocked with talent. I would be shocked if the Irish entertained bringing one in this offseason.

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