A pair of Notre Dame offensive veterans revealed their plans to enter the transfer portal on Monday evening, making the total three for this week. The chances of their return to the Irish roster in 2024 seem more likely for senior receiver Chris Tyree than for fifth-year center Zeke Correll, if at all.
Tyree transitioned to receiver from running back this past season, mainly due to Notre Dame’s surplus of quality running backs and a lack of receivers. This change was also intended to enhance Tyree’s prospects with NFL teams.
He caught 26 passes for 484 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Irish in receiving yards and yards per catch among players with 15 or more catches.
“My love for this University will never waiver, and I will always be proud to say that I earned my degree from Notre Dame,” Tyree wrote on Twitter. “… After many conversations and prayer, I’ve come to the heartfelt decision to enter my name into the transfer portal as a graduate.”
Notably, Tyree finishes his Irish career as one of only four players in the last 40 years to score via rush, reception, punt return, and kick return, totaling 2,106 scrimmage yards with another 1,178 return yards and 17 combined touchdowns.
Therefore, it became somewhat necessary for Tyree to enter the transfer portal. He could potentially become a welcome addition to a Playoff contending offense, and these particular roster spots will soon fill up before Notre Dame plays in its bowl game. Tyree needs to consider all opportunities available to him while those spots remain open.
And one of those opportunities could still be Notre Dame. As long as Notre Dame will have him, an entry into the transfer portal does not preclude that. Tyree’s willingness to change positions last offseason strengthened his reputation on the roster, and his peers presumably recognize and understand his need to consider all potential future paths.
Entries into the transfer portal typically lead elsewhere, but not always.
The odds of Correll returning to Notre Dame are slimmer. Notre Dame has the luxury of being able to afford his potential departure. While Correll has been a three-year starting offensive lineman, the Irish currently have depth in the offensive line, as evidenced by sophomore Ashton Craig stepping into Correll’s absence in the last two games.
A concussion sidelined Correll during the Irish’s loss at Clemson, which resulted in him missing games. He finishes his Notre Dame career with 31 starts in 39 games, his first starts coming at center in the 2020 Playoff run.
Correll struggled to maintain a suitable weight at first, which slowed his progression to the starting line. However, he eventually grew to be listed at 306 pounds this season. With his experience, Correll represents a rare offensive lineman in the transfer portal who can positively impact a Playoff contender.
Recruiting and depth will enable Notre Dame to replace Correll, buoyed by Craig’s performance in November.
A high-profile Texas recruit who leaned into Notre Dame and South Bend.
Can understand wanting to try something else in his sixth season. https://t.co/zYGzxuNUVc— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) November 27, 2023
INTO THE TRANSFER PORTAL
Fifth-year defensive end Nana Osafo-Mensah
Fifth-year center Zeke Correll
Senior receiver Chris Tyree
