Notre Dame Wide Receiver Transferring After National Title Loss
01/23/2025 11:35 AM
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had one of their best seasons in decades this year, advancing to the national championship game.
Notre Dame fell to Ohio State in that title game earlier this week, but there's a lot to look forward to in South Bend. Despite the team's upward trajectory after its success this season, one player has decided to look elsewhere.
According to Rivals, former Notre Dame wide receiver Jayden Thomas has entered the transfer portal. His agency, Quality Control Sports, says that the receiver has interest from teams in each of the Power Four conferences.
Former Notre Dame WR Jayden Thomas has already heard from teams in each Power Four conference, per his agency @QCSports
— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) January 23, 2025
Thomas was credited with 64 catches for 838 yards and 7 TDs over the last 3 seasons pic.twitter.com/RlvK6z78TD
Thomas caught 18 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns this season, and he has 64 catches for 838 yards and seven touchdowns in his career to date.
The Fighting Irish were a run-first team this season, led by the tandem of running back Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Riley Leonard. Jaden Greathouse led the team with 42 receptions and 592 receiving yards, showing how reliant the team was on the ground game.
The lack of opportunities in the passing game could be a reason for Thomas' decision to transfer. With an additional year of eligibility remaining, playing in the right offense can be the difference when it comes to a successful season. If Thomas moves on to a new program and plays well, it would have a positive effect on his NFL Draft stock.
The Fighting Irish will look to make it back to the national championship game next year after their loss to Ohio State. The Buckeyes controlled much of the game on Monday night, despite great performances from Greathouse and Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.
The Irish kept things close in the fourth quarter, but a late field goal would seal the deal for Ohio State. The Buckeyes won their first championship in a decade, while Notre Dame is still looking for its first since the 1980s.
We'll see where Thomas ends up after entering the transfer portal, and we'll see what Notre Dame does to improve its roster ahead of the 2025 season.
There's no denying that Marcus Freeman is moving in the right direction as head coach, but it'll come down to putting all of the pieces together in order to win.
Related: College Football Writer Makes 'Bold' Prediction For Next Year's Title Game
