Notre Dame QB Tyler Buchner Enters Transfer Portal

In a somewhat surprising move, Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner has entered his name into the transfer portal following the team’s spring game last weekend.

Buchner has been “competing” with Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman for the starting QB position, but unless something went horribly wrong, it was always going to be Hartman’s job. The third-year quarterback did, however, leave the door open to a return to South Bend.

Buchner began last season as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, but he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2 against Marshall that sidelined him until the team’s bowl game appearance (a 45-38 win over South Carolina in the Gator Bowl). Buchner was an absolute roller coaster ride in the Gator Bowl, throwing for three TDs, running for two more, but also tossing three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

When the transfer portal first opened up following the 2022-23 season, Notre Dame quickly added Wake Forest star quarterback Sam Hartman. Hartman was awesome throughout his career at Wake throwing for 77 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

In last weekend’s spring game, Buchner put in a less-than-ideal performance going just 8-for-18 for 44 yards and an interception. Hartman on the other hand was 13-for-16 for 189 yards and three total TDs. While head coach Marcus Freeman didn’t announce his starting QB, it was even more obvious after the spring game.

What’s Next For Tyler Buchner & Notre Dame?

Tyler Buchner could still wind up at ND, and from his social media post, neither side has ruled it out. It does seem unlikely though. News broke that Buchner is already scheduled to visit Alabama where his former offensive coordinator Tommy Rees now calls the plays. Alabama has had questions at QB all offseason and could be a logical landing spot.

From a Notre Dame standpoint, this does hurt their depth, but as long as Hartman stays healthy this season it shouldn’t affect much. The Irish brought in high 4-star QB recruit Kenny Minchey this past offseason and have C.J. Carr, who depending on which publication you check is a 4-star or 5-star QB recruit, locked in for the 2024 recruiting class.

With Buchner’s name in the portal, the Irish could be active in the transfer portal again in search of potential quarterback depth behind Sam Hartman.