Notre Dame Considers Reinserting Tyler Buchner at Quarterback
Notre Dame’s quarterback room faces a shortage following Steve Angeli’s departure to the NCAA Transfer Portal. Head coach Marcus Freeman, however, hinted at a potential solution: bringing back former quarterback Tyler Buchner. Buchner, currently a walk-on wide receiver, initially joined Notre Dame as a highly touted four-star quarterback recruit in 2021.
Freeman confirmed ongoing discussions with Buchner regarding a return to the quarterback position. “Yeah, it’s something we’ve discussed,” Freeman stated during a Wednesday press conference. “We’ll look at the total number of arms, bodies that have to practice (with), but it’s definitely under consideration to be able to move Tyler back into the quarterback room as we look into Summer and Fall camp.”
Buchner’s collegiate career has been marked by both promise and setbacks. In his freshman year, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities, accumulating 298 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 336 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns. However, a significant injury in 2022 hampered his progress. He subsequently transferred to Alabama but saw limited playing time. Following his time at Alabama, Buchner stepped away from football, joining Notre Dame’s lacrosse team and contributing to their national championship victory.
His unexpected return to the football field last summer as a walk-on receiver now opens the possibility of a full-circle moment. The decision to move Buchner back to quarterback is currently under consideration, suggesting a potential solution to Notre Dame’s immediate quarterback depth concerns. The coming weeks will determine whether Buchner will once again lead the Irish offense. The team will carefully assess the roster and practice dynamics before making a final decision. This development adds an intriguing layer to Notre Dame’s upcoming season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. The potential return of Buchner underscores the fluidity of college football rosters and the unexpected paths players can take.
