Notre Dame Fighting Irish news: Baseball snub, QB update, star heads to portal
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish athletic program is navigating a period of significant transition as the 2025 season unfolds. From a controversial baseball postseason snub to pivotal shifts in the football quarterback landscape and the unexpected departure of a star player, the university’s sports teams are experiencing a series of impactful developments.
In baseball, the Fighting Irish faced a disappointing end to their season. Despite a strong regular-season performance, the team failed to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, a decision that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. The exclusion was particularly disheartening given the team’s efforts and achievements throughout the season.
Compounding the baseball team’s challenges, standout catcher Carson Tinney has entered the NCAA transfer portal with a “do not contact” designation. Tinney’s departure is a significant loss for the team, as he was a key contributor with impressive statistics: a .348 batting average, .498 on-base percentage, and .753 slugging percentage, along with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs over 48 games. His exit underscores the difficulties faced by northern programs like Notre Dame in retaining top talent and achieving long-term success .(onefootdown.com)
In football, the quarterback position is undergoing a notable transition. Riley Leonard, who transferred from Duke and led the Irish to a College Football Playoff National Title game, has been selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Leonard’s departure leaves a vacancy that rising redshirt freshman CJ Carr is poised to fill. Carr, a four-star recruit and grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, is expected to compete for the starting quarterback role in the upcoming season .(onefootdown.com, en.wikipedia.org)
Adding to the quarterback dynamics, Notre Dame secured a commitment from Deuce Knight, a highly regarded dual-threat quarterback from Mississippi. Knight, ranked as the No. 3 quarterback nationally in the 2025 class, chose Notre Dame over several top programs, citing the university’s combination of competitive football and academic excellence as key factors in his decision .(on3.com)
The football program has also experienced player departures through the transfer portal. Wide receivers Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie, along with offensive lineman Sam Pendleton, have entered the portal, seeking opportunities elsewhere . These changes reflect the evolving nature of college football rosters in the transfer era.(onefootdown.com)
On the women’s basketball front, the team faced an unexpected development when star guard Olivia Miles decided to forgo the WNBA Draft and enter the transfer portal. Miles, who averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, was anticipated to be a top pick in the draft. Her decision to explore other collegiate opportunities adds a layer of complexity to the team’s offseason plans .(nypost.com)
Despite these challenges, Notre Dame’s athletic programs continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. The university’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, remains steadfast as it navigates the shifting landscape of collegiate athletics.
