Tyler Buchner, who started the Irish’s first two games last season before suffering a season-ending injury, has entered the transfer portal.
Buchner, a junior from La Mesa, California, made the announcement on social media on Tuesday.
“I love Notre Dame,” he wrote. “The people, and especially my teammates, are what makes this place special to me. I have decided to enter the transfer portal in order to explore my options and decide what is best for my future. I am truly thankful to everyone for their support through this process.”
Remaining a Notre Dame remains an option, Buchner said, but according to 247Sports, he entered the portal with a no-contact tag, which usually indicates a player knows where he is going upon entering the portal.
Buchner’s potential departure from South Bend isn’t all that surprising. Despite being a 4-star QB who showed well in limited action last season, he figured to face significant competition for snaps from Sam Hartman, the ACC’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns who transferred in from Wake Forest in January.
Buchner had thrown for 201 yards and two interceptions, as well as 44 yards rushing and two touchdowns before his injury vs. Marshall in Week 2.
He returned for the team’s Gator Bowl win over South Carolina, leading the Fighting Irish to a victory while going 18 of 33 for 273 yards with three touchdown and three interceptions
A top-10 quarterback in the 2021 class, Buchner committed to Notre Dame over Michigan, Alabama, USC, TCU, Georgia, Oregon and others. He is the most accomplished quarterback to enter the portal during the spring period.
According to 247Sports’ Chris Hummer, several SEC schools, including Alabama, could be in the mix for Buchner’s services. Former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees now holds the same position with the Crimson Tide.
TCU and Stanford have also shown interest in portal quarterbacks this spring, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The Irish open the season against Navy in Dublin before hosting Ohio State on Sept, 23.
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