The news for Notre Dame hasn't been great in the portal so far, so thought I'd have a little fun talking about a portal wish list. What would result in Notre Dame having a "strong finish" to the portal?

Here's my list, starting on defense:

Armel Mukam decides to come back. I completely understand why Mukam jumped in the portal, but the ideal scenario for the DT position to have a strong finish starts with Mukam decided to come back. Hopefully the Irish staff is trying to make this happen and Mukam is receptive to it. Mukam finished the season on a strong note and him coming back gives the Irish a still developing, but also a talented player that already knows the defense.

Keon Keeley finally comes back to Notre Dame. Yes, the journey was twisted and winding, and Keeley hasn't looked like the 5-star hew as in high school. But I still think Keeley can be that player and think with the structure that Notre Dame provides he could once again be a difference maker. Having Keeley in the rotation with Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young, the elite freshman class and maybe one more quality edge in the portal would have me excited about the group heading into 2025.

Francis Brewu decides he finally wants to get to play for Charlie Partridge. Brewu was recruited to Pitt by Partridge but never got to coach him. A reunion would be great for Brewu and Notre Dame. He's a penetrator that is also pretty stout against the run, evidenced by Pitt having a very stout run defense last season .... at least until they played Notre Dame. He would thrive in this defense in very much the same way Jared Dawson did last season, if not better. Pairing Brewu with the return of Mukam and possibly an addition like Ezra Christiensen or James Smith would make this a very strong DT finish.

I'm good if Notre Dame adds a nickel to the class, but I'm also okay if the Irish staff decides to roll with the very talented secondary depth chart they already have.

Let's talk offense:

Quincy Porter decides to continue the New Jersey connection at Notre Dame. Notre Dame needs a true boundary receiver from the portal and I'm not sure there's one in there with more upside. He's the perfect fit for how Mike Denbrock uses the position. He's tall (6-4), extremely long, has enough speed to take the top off the defense and he has some after the catch skills. He doesn't have the experience that Notre Dame coveted, but the talent is enormous and he should recover quickly from the knee injury he suffered in the fall.

I would also love for Notre Dame to add a kicker who can consistently make field goals. Don't really care who it is as long as he can do that, consistently make FG.

Notre Dame doesn't need a big class, they need a class with impact talent and this group would certainly have that.

Let me know in the comments below what you think.