The Notre Dame football team made it all the way to the national championship this season, but they fell just short as Ohio State ended up claiming the college football crown. Since the season ended, the Fighting Irish have had a few surprising transfer portal departures, and one of them is offensive lineman Rocco Spindler.

Rocco Spindler was a starting offensive lineman for the Notre Dame football team, but he is in the transfer portal now. Spindler is obviously one of the top available players in the portal, but he is also one of the top players in the portal in general.

It looks like there are three teams in the running in terms of landing a commitment from Spindler, and they all reside in the Big Ten.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (9) takes a handoff from quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025.
Clemson boosts defense with huge 4-star recruiting win over rival MiamiLorenzo J Reyna ·
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) runs with the ball during the second half against Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Gi'Bran Payne (3) at Caesars Superdome.
Georgia hits new 2026 recruiting claim after landing No. 1 DLLorenzo J Reyna ·
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off the field after the Armed Forces Bowl football game between he University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. Navy won 21-20.
Oklahoma beats out Deion Sanders, Colorado for 4-starLorenzo J Reyna ·
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Crimson Combine at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Oklahoma football’s John Mateer takes extreme measure to prepare for first season with SoonersPreston Byers ·
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during the Orange & White spring game in Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee football laps SEC rivals on recruiting scene with pair of key commitmentsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) runs to the outdoor fields with teammates and coaches during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025.
Clemson football’s Cade Klubnik reflects on return to Manning Passing AcademyJaren Kawada ·

“Indiana, Michigan and Nebraska are battling for Notre Dame transfer OL Rocco Spindler, sources tell @SWiltfong_ and me,” Pete Nakos said in a post.

Spindler isn’t the only offensive lineman that decided to leave Notre Dame. Pat Coogan, Ty Chan and Sam Pendleton also entered the transfer portal, and Chan has already committed to UConn while Pendleton is headed to Tennessee. Coogan is still on the hunt, and the Michigan football team is pursuing him as well.

Michigan is definitely an interesting team to watch for here regarding Spindler. Spindler is from the state of Michigan as he went to Clarkston High School, and the Wolverines were close to landing a commitment from him out of high school. Spindler decided to go to Notre Dame, but he is now in the transfer portal and could make a return to his home state.

Landing a commitment from Spindler or Coogan (or both) would be massive for Michigan. The Wolverines have had a good offseason in the transfer portal already, but fans would certainly feel better if they got some more experience for the offensive line. These Notre Dame football transfers can provide just that.