The Irish Illustrated team has its finger on the pulse of Notre Dame transfer portal news, recruiting, coaching staff moves and more after the Irish lost to Ohio State in the CFP National Championship

Tyler Merrill is a four-star recruit according to 247 Sports. He is the #61 player in the 2026 recruiting class, the #5 IOL and the #2 player in the state of Pennsylvania. Merrill currently attends Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

“Notre Dame is targeting Texas Tech’s James Blanchard for its new general manager position, sources tell me and @TomLoy247 for @CBSSports/@247Sports,” Matt Zenitz said in a post. “At Texas Tech, Blanchard has become of the nation’s most respected college front office figures.”

Why is Notre Dame not in a conference for college football? Here's what to know as the Irish are set to compete in the CFP championship game on Monday:

Merrill announced his decision to head to South Bend in 2026 choosing the Fighting Irish over Penn State, Clemson, Wisconsin and Alabama.

Notre Dame football fended off mulitple top programs to get the commitment from 2026 Pennsylvania offensive lineman Tyler Merrill

We now know the entire 2025 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football schedule, including dates and home/away locations. The Irish have seven home games on the schedule. Notre Dame will also face several teams that are considered rivals. Navy, USC, Boston College, and Stanford are on the schedule.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes 34-23 in the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

I t might be the offseason for college football, but there is constant news around the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We have seen several players enter the transfer portal, as well a

Three major college football programs are reportedly in the mix for Notre Dame transfer Rocco Spindler. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive lineman appeared in 40 games with 23 starts over the last four seasons. He started the 2023 season before missing the final three games due to injury and returned to his starting role in 2024.

Ohio State football is only 30 minutes away from winning the College Football Playoff national championship over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Buckeyes look amazing. OSU currently head into halftime with a 21-7 lead over Notre Dame and are set to receive the ball in the second half.

Notre Dame’s college football future hinges on a hinge. An elbow, specifically. That elbow connects quarterback CJ Carr’s upper arm to his lower arm.