Notre Dame kicker Zac Yoakam enters NCAA transfer portal
Notre Dame walk-on kicker Zac Yoakam is entering the transfer portal, he announced on social media Thursday morning.
He is the third player and second walk-on specialist, following safety Kennedy Urlacher and long snapper Rino Monteforte, to leave the Irish since the spring portal opened Wednesday morning. Yoakam will be a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.
As a freshman in 2022, Yoakam handled kickoff duties for the Irish. He produced 50 touchbacks and 7 fair catches in 78 attempts, only allowing 19 return opportunities. He filled in for an injured Mitch Jeter (groin) during the 2024 season, going 2-of-5 on field-goal attempts with a long of 42. He also made all 18 of his extra-point attempts.
Yoakam would likely have been Notre Dame’s third-string kicker in 2025. The Irish brought in graduate transfer Noah Burnette from North Carolina, and Erik Schmidt, the No. 2 high school kicker in the nation, arrives in June.
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A graduate of Upper Arlington (Ohio) High, Yoakam played in 20 games over three seasons at Notre Dame.
Yoakam released a lengthy statement on social media, announcing his entry into the transfer portal:
“After much thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the Transfer Portal as a graduate student with two years of eligibility remaining. My three years at Notre Dame have truly been the best experience of my life. From earning a starting role to being part of our National Championship run, this University has blessed me with countless opportunities and unforgettable moments. Notre Dame has not only helped me grow as a player but has also strengthened my faith in God, for which I am incredibly grateful.
“I am deeply thankful to Coach [Marcus] Freeman and Coach [Marty] Biagi for the wisdom and development they’ve poured into me—not just as a player, but as a man. I also want to thank Coach [Brian] Mason and Coach [Jesse] Schmitt for believing in me three years ago. To the Strength Staff and all the amazing people in the Gug: thank you for allowing me to chase my dreams. To my teammates—thank you for the brotherhood. The friendships and memories we’ve built will last a lifetime.
“To this University: thank you for allowing me the honor of wearing the Golden Helmet and representing Our Lady’s University. It has truly been the greatest privilege of my life.
“With that being said, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal as a Graduate Transfer with two years of eligibility remaining. I’m looking forward to continuing my development and pursuing every opportunity to reach my full potential as a kicker.”
The transfer portal will remain open until April 25 (a week from Friday). Yoakam will likely not be the last Notre Dame player to enter.
