Notre Dame football is facing its first notable roster change of the 2025 offseason as promising safety Kennedy Urlacher has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Urlacher, the son of Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, made waves as a freshman and his departure signals the beginning of what may be a busy transfer period for the Fighting Irish.
A Promising Start
Kennedy Urlacher, a 6-foot, 190-pound safety from Chandler, Arizona, was part of Notre Dame’s 2024 recruiting class. Despite arriving in South Bend as a three-star prospect, he quickly made an impression on the field. He debuted against Purdue, recording three tackles and a pass breakup — an effort that drew attention and praise from analysts and fans alike.
Throughout the 2024 season, Urlacher appeared in 14 games, mostly in a reserve role but with notable contributions on special teams and in rotational packages. He tallied 12 tackles, including one for a loss, along with a pass breakup and a fumble recovery. Though his role was limited, his potential was evident. He showed strong instincts and a physical playing style reminiscent of his father’s intensity, giving Notre Dame fans hope for a future star in the making.
Why He May Be Leaving
While Urlacher has not publicly detailed his reasons for transferring, several possible factors are in play. Notre Dame’s safety room is crowded with rising talent, including established names and younger players climbing the depth chart. With fierce competition ahead of him, Urlacher may be seeking a situation where he can step into a more prominent role earlier in his college career.
The transfer portal has increasingly become a tool for young players to find the right fit, especially when immediate playing time is a priority. With three years of eligibility remaining, Urlacher is in a strong position to make a fresh start elsewhere and maximize his development.
Possible Landing Spots
Given his roots in Arizona, it’s easy to imagine that local programs such as Arizona or Arizona State could be interested. Both schools could offer a clearer path to playing time and a return to familiar surroundings. However, don’t rule out Midwest programs that have recruited him before or have immediate needs in the secondary. Schools like Illinois, Michigan State, and Indiana could be logical fits for a player of Urlacher’s caliber.
Additionally, his name recognition, work ethic, and flashes of potential make him an appealing prospect to a variety of Power Five programs looking to bolster their defensive backfield.
What It Means for Notre Dame
Urlacher’s departure does create a depth issue for Notre Dame at safety. While the team retains solid starters and a talented group overall, losing a young, developing player like Urlacher impacts both depth and the future pipeline of the position. The coaching staff will likely assess whether the current roster can absorb the loss or if another transfer should be brought in to maintain balance.
This move also highlights the ever-changing nature of college football in the transfer portal era. Roster stability is more elusive than ever, and coaching staffs must continually evaluate not just recruiting but retention as well.
Looking Ahead
While Notre Dame loses a promising young player, Kennedy Urlacher gains a chance to reset and find the best path forward for his career. His short stint in South Bend showed promise, and wherever he lands next, he’ll carry with him both the discipline instilled at Notre Dame and the high expectations that come with his name.
For the Irish, it’s time to turn the page, adjust, and keep building. The transfer season is just beginning, and Urlacher’s exit could be just the first domino in a
dynamic and pivotal offseason.
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