The Irish Illustrated team has its finger on the pulse of Notre Dame transfer portal news, recruiting, coaching staff moves and more after the Irish lost to Ohio State in the CFP National Championship

Which teams will pick up Notre Dame stars like Xavier Watts, Benjamin Morrison and Riley Leonard in the NFL Draft?

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Pat Coogan (78), head coach Marcus Freeman, and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (50) react after losing against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison is heading to the NFL Draft after a promising junior season was cut short by a serious hip injury

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Several reports have surfaced that the Notre Dame football program has lost a crucial part of its recruiting efforts and recent success. Several media outlets are reporting that assistant athletic director and general manager Chad Bowden is leaving the program to take a similar position at USC.

One Notre Dame football player that improved their draft stock during Monday's national championship game is quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard didn't have a big season by any means, but he did play a good game against Ohio State as he was 22-31 for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Leonard was a big part of the comeback.

Notre Dame safety and team captain Xavier Watts, who closes his collegiate career with 189 total tackles, 16 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 13 interceptions, shared a message on social media thanking God, family, friends and Fighting Irish fans for sharing in his journey.

Marcus Freeman has some big holes to fill as he looks to get Notre Dame back to the College Football Playoff in 2025.

Xavier Watts delivered one of the most impressive careers for a defender in Notre Dame history. Now, Watts has confirmed he’s jumping to the 2025 NFL Draft after spending 5 seasons with the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden is on the heels of an NFL job after the Fighting Irish lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday.

He was also on the field prior to the game hyping up the Fighting Irish fans. Before he embarked on a 13-season NFL career that included a Super Bowl title and a Pro Football Hall of Fame recognition,

Ohio State held on to defeat Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Eric Edholm provides three takeaways from the game, with an eye on the 2025 NFL Draft.