Former Alabama standout Keon Keeley returns to Notre Dame, bringing game-changing talent and a renewed focus to the defensive line's potent pass rush.
Sometimes, sports are filled with 'full circle' type of moments. For Alabama defensive line transfer Keon Keeley, his return to Notre Dame for the 2026 season could be described as just that. He was heavily recruited by the Irish as a member of the 2023 recruiting class along with Drayk Bowen and Adon Shuler to name a few. At one point in time, Keeley was committed to play in South Bend before ultimately signing with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
After two seasons down in Tuscaloosa, the 6-5, 270-pound defensive end made the decision to return to Notre Dame to finish his collegiate career. The depth at defensive end for the Irish was a question mark; many were unsure about the depth behind Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young. Keeley's arrival puts a lot of minds at ease and it wasn't a difficult decision for him to make.
"It wasn’t an easy decision to choose to transfer, but once that process had been in movement, Notre Dame felt like an easy option, a no-brainer for me," Keeley explained. "I basically knew once I had been in communication with Notre Dame that I was going to go here. I kind of knew when I stepped on campus that I was going to go to Notre Dame. It was a really easy decision to choose Notre Dame."
Once his recruiting process started when he entered the portal, Keeley made quick work on his visit to campus and kept everything short and sweet. Everything was around focused on football.
"I didn't learn anything new about the university on my visit," Keeley stated. "I really just wanted to get a feel for the defense and a feel for the scheme. I already knew what Notre Dame was about. I didn’t go on the campus tour. I didn’t go eat at a bunch of restaurants. It was fairly simple and straight to the point with what Notre Dame wants to accomplish and what I can contribute to that."
The Florida native is strictly business heading into this offseason and is gearing up to work his craft to contribute to this talented defensive end rotation. Keeley is one of the highest-ceiled players in the rotation. New defensive line coach Charlie Partridge has an extremely talented player to work with this offseason.
"I just have to keep trusting the process," Keeley answered. "I know that’s a simple answer, but realistically getting better every single day is a part of being the best player you can be and the best man you can be. For me, it’s trusting the process and getting one percent better every single day and this program, they give you everything you need to be the best player you can be academically, physically, mentally. There’s no limits to this program. I know I’m in the best place to do it."
Keeley's return to South Bend brought major relief and a sense of joy to many fans who were familiar with his recruitment to Notre Dame. Sometimes the grass is greener and sometimes it isn't. Keeley contributed to the Alabama defense and played in the post season for the Crimson Tide in 2025, but when he was asked about being back with the Irish for the 2026 season, he kept his answer short and sweet.
"It’s amazing. It’s the best thing ever; best decision ever."
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