Newsstand: ESPN predicts Notre Dame football’s top transfer portal addition of 2025
The Notre Dame football program bolstered its 2025 roster by adding eight transfers this offseason. ESPN has already determined who is the best one.
Max Olson named a key pickup for each Way-Too-Early Top 25 team, which will have the opportunity to shine in 2025. He tabbed former Virginia wide receiver Malachi Fields as the Fighting Irish’s top portal addition.
“(Coach) Marcus Freeman and his staff have done an excellent job of being selective and effective with their transfer additions,” Olson said. “They looked to the portal again this offseason for more help at receiver and landed a big-time target in Fields.
“The 6-foot-4, 220-pound grad transfer was a team captain and All-ACC performer at Virginia and has put up the third-most receiving yards (1,619) in the conference over the past two seasons. He’ll be a go-to target for whoever wins the starting QB job for the Irish.”
Fields is projected to play boundary receiver for Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock this season, his last remaining year of eligibility. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound pass catcher has 36 receptions for 1,849 yards and 11 touchdowns during his collegiate career.
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According to the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Ranking, Fields is the No. 48 overall player and No. 13 wide receiver in the transfer portal. He is expected to join the program in full capacity in June.
Notre Dame Posts of the Weekend
No. 2 Notre Dame (21-2) faces No. 13 Duke (19-5) on Monday night at Purcell Pavilion.
Carrollton (Ga.) Central four-star running back Jonaz Walton featured Notre Dame in his top 10 announced Sunday.
On Saturday, Notre Dame baseball junior Estevan Moreno hit a grand slam in a 19-6 win over North Florida.
Notre Dame Quote of the Weekend
“I like the education a lot. I also like the football and team culture.”
— Chicago Brother Rice 2026 class defensive line recruit King Liggins to Blue & Gold on Saturday, discussing what he likes about the Irish.
Notre Dame Headlines of the Weekend
- IRISH INTEL: Positive injury updates for two key Notre Dame defenders
- Top 150 four-star RB recruit from Georgia includes Notre Dame in Top 10
- Four-star EDGE signee Dominik Hulak’s positional switch should benefit Notre Dame
- Notre Dame continues to track Chicagoland defensive line recruit amid growing offer list
- IRISH INTEL: Sources are raving about development of young Notre Dame players
- Scoop: Two major Irish targets schedule Notre Dame official visits
