Notre Dame defensive tackle Jacob Lacey enters transfer portal

In the class of 2019, the state of Kentucky produced five top-200 prospects. The Wildcats did not ink any of them on signing day. However, the transfer portal always leaves an option for players to return home.

After bringing back Wan’Dale Robinson home from Nebraska, the Cats could welcome another in-state prospect home after the 2022 season. On Thursday, Notre Dame defensive tackle Jacob Lacey stepped away from Marcus Freeman’s team and will transfer to another school at the end of the season.

“Lacey was a great player,” Freeman said. “Lacey did a lot of great things for us. But it’s a deep position. He made a decision that ultimately he felt was best for him, and we respect it. We love Jacob.”

The Bowling Green (Ky.) South Warren product was the No. 3 player in Kentucky back in 2019 and chose the Irish over Clemson, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, and Tennessee. The interior lineman played in 38 career games for the Irish tallying 35 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. In a win over California, Lacey recorded two sacks and was a force for the Irish.

However, playing time diminished after that win as Lacey played only nine snaps the following week against North Carolina. To preserve his redshirt, the senior will not play any more games for Notre Dame this season.

Truly, thank you. 🍀 pic.twitter.com/MMrljhWjbS

— Jlacey.M©️🩸 (@JacobLacey6) October 6, 2022

College football teams are always looking to add defensive line depth, and Kentucky could potentially become a real player in Lacey’s transfer recruitment. The veteran will have two years of eligibility remaining and could give the Wildcats another answer on the interior.

Add Jacob Lacey to your big boards. Recruiting never stops.