Ranking the most important Notre Dame transfer portal additions that Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish signed this offseason 

How do the Notre Dame transfer portal additions rank in terms of importance heading into the 2026 CFB season?

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Quincy Porter (11) runs past Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Devon Williams (9) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Ohio State won 42-3.

Notre Dame football has been extremely active in the transfer portal over the last week, bringing in some impressive players on both sides of the football. All eight of the additions have a chance to help head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish heading into the 2026 college football season. The wide receiver room, defensive line, and secondary should receive the biggest boost heading into a season with national championship aspirations.

For a little bit of fun, I decided to rank the most important players that the Irish staff added this offseason. The phrase “most important” can be a very subjective label. This isn’t necessarily a listing of the best players that were added, but the ones who hold the biggest key for this Notre Dame program to reach its upside heading into 2026.

1. DT Tionne Gray (Oregon) 

At 6-6 and 336 pounds with a clean frame, Gray has the size profile and skill set that Notre Dame just hasn’t had. Yes, Gray’s production and experience are a bit limited right now. He has, however, a game that is not always going to be appreciated enough on a box score. There is a great chance for Gray to be the starting nose tackle next season. He has the ability to make everyone around him a ton better.

2. WR Quincy Porter (Ohio State) 

At 6-4 and 210 pounds, Porter is the boundary presence that Notre Dame is missing in their current roster. While Porter has no proven production (4 receptions for 59 yards in 2026), he also had to play behind Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. There is no clearer answer in the boundary right now than Porter. He has a chance to showcase his five-star billing coming out and to be the best wide receiver for the Irish in 2026.

3. DT Francis Brewu (Pitt) 

While Brewu might lack size on the interior at around 6-2 and 280 pounds, he is surprisingly strong at the point of attack. The former Pitt standout also has two years of eligibility, as well as more upside as a penetrator as he improves. Brewu should play a ton for Notre Dame in 2026. There is a chance that he ends up being their best defensive tackle in the end.

4. EDGE Keon Keeley (Alabama 

Going into the portal period, defensive end wasn’t a massive need for this Notre Dame team. Once Joshua Burnham decided to enter, that equation changed extremely quickly. While Keeley is still developing as a player, it is tough not to get excited about this combination of size, length, and explosiveness. Along with Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young, this should be a dynamite trio.

5. K Spencer Porath (Purdue) 

During the 2025 college football season, Notre Dame managed to make just 5-9 on the field goals attempted as a team. Including extra points, Porath made 39-41 kicks that he attempted last season for the Boilermakers. While kickers don’t grab as much engagement with a fanbase, there is going to be a game during the 2026 season where the Irish are going to need to make a big kick. You feel a whole lot better about your potential to make it with Porath handling those duties.

6. CB DJ McKinney (Colorado) 

I wanted to get McKinney higher on this list because I anticipate him being the starting field cornerback for Notre Dame in 2026. With Christian Gray and other talented defensive backs returning, however, it wasn’t necessarily a make-or-break signing. The fact that they have the former Colorado standout does make the ceiling and floor a lot higher for the team on the back end. The Irish have a chance to have the very best secondary in all of college football in 2026.

7. WR Mylan Graham (Ohio State) 

This lower placement is no shot at Graham. He is a very talented player who brings tons of speed and fluidity to the table, and if he is able to focus more, there is a world where he becomes a very important member of the Irish passing game. Barring something unforeseen, Graham will play a lot in 2026. Porter edged him out in terms of the importance of being able to play at the boundary position.

8. CB Jayden Sanders (Michigan)

At 6-1 and 197 pounds, Sanders is a bigger cornerback who has a nice balance of athletic skills and developmental upside. While it is unlikely that Sanders plays a huge role in 2026, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become an important depth piece. While depth isn’t a fun conversation all the time, it is a very important thing to consider when your favorite program is trying to make a push for a national championship.

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