With conference realignment being such a prevalent topic in college football over the last few years, Notre Dame has been an interesting discussion. With their independence considered, many have wanted the Fighting Irish to join a conference to potentially establish some level of equality.

Tyler Merrill is a four-star recruit according to 247 Sports. He is the #61 player in the 2026 recruiting class, the #5 IOL and the #2 player in the state of Pennsylvania. Merrill currently attends Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

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

Why is Notre Dame not in a conference for college football? Here's what to know as the Irish are set to compete in the CFP championship game on Monday:

Notre Dame football fended off mulitple top programs to get the commitment from 2026 Pennsylvania offensive lineman Tyler Merrill

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are fresh off the program's third season under head coach Marcus Freeman.  Freeman and the Fighting Irish finished the season as the national championship runner-ups, falling to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the final game of the College Football Playoff.

“Notre Dame is targeting Texas Tech’s James Blanchard for its new general manager position, sources tell me and @TomLoy247 for @CBSSports/@247Sports,” Matt Zenitz said in a post. “At Texas Tech, Blanchard has become of the nation’s most respected college front office figures.”

Three major college football programs are reportedly in the mix for Notre Dame transfer Rocco Spindler. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive lineman appeared in 40 games with 23 starts over the last four seasons. He started the 2023 season before missing the final three games due to injury and returned to his starting role in 2024.

Notre Dame’s college football future hinges on a hinge. An elbow, specifically. That elbow connects quarterback CJ Carr’s upper arm to his lower arm.

The USC Trojans continue to make moves in revamping their front office staff. Less than a week after the Trojans hired away Notre Dame's general manager Chad Bo

Ohio State football is only 30 minutes away from winning the College Football Playoff national championship over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Buckeyes look amazing. OSU currently head into halftime with a 21-7 lead over Notre Dame and are set to receive the ball in the second half.

The assistant head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team ... Notre Dame Coach’s college stats, records and more "Unmatched in college football" - Former Heisman winner Robert ...