Notre Dame Football Lands Top Transfer Tionne Gray from Oregon Ducks
Notre Dame football has made a major addition through the transfer portal. The Fighting Irish secured former Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Tionne Gray on Thursday, January 15. Gray committed shortly after visiting campus. This move provides a significant boost for head coach Marcus Freeman's squad as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Tionne Gray's Performance for the Oregon Ducks
Tionne Gray entered the transfer portal on January 11. He completed a solid redshirt freshman campaign with the Oregon Ducks. During the 2025 season, Gray appeared in 13 games. He recorded 18 total tackles, including 5 solo and 13 assisted tackles. Gray also made 2 tackles for loss. He served as a disruptive force in both run and pass defense.
Gray was poised for a bigger role with Oregon. However, the Ducks' top linemen decided to return for another season. This limited his path to starter snaps.
As a high school recruit in the 2024 class, Gray earned four-star status. He ranked as the No. 422 overall player and the No. 46 defensive tackle nationally. In the transfer portal, Gray retained his four-star rating. According to 247Sports, he ranked as the No. 17 overall player and the No. 3 defensive lineman available. This makes him one of the top transfers in college football.
Notre Dame's Defensive Strategy
Notre Dame's defensive line needed reinforcements. Tionne Gray will deliver exactly what new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge seeks. Pairing Gray with recent Pitt transfer Francis Brewu creates a formidable interior duo. Gray's imposing 6-foot-6, 336-pound frame clogs running lanes and anchors against the run. Brewu's quickness adds penetration and pass-rush ability.
The Fighting Irish have aggressively rebuilt their defensive front through the transfer portal. They also added talents like Keon Keeley. With returning standouts Bryce Young and Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame now boasts one of college football's stronger defensive lines for the 2026 season.
Oregon's Depth Leads to Transfer Portal Moves
Oregon Ducks' loaded defensive front limited Tionne Gray's opportunities. Key players like Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington, Matayo Uiagalelei, and Teitum Tuioti all returned for another season. This crowded depth chart prompted Gray to seek a fresh start.
At Notre Dame, Gray joins a Power 4 contender hungry for interior dominance. This move strengthens Notre Dame's transfer class, positioning them among the nation's best portal hauls. For Tionne Gray, it represents a chance to start and showcase his skills on a big stage.
The transfer provides mutual benefits. Notre Dame gains a top-tier defensive tackle, while Gray secures a clearer path to playing time. Both parties aim for success in the upcoming 2026 college football season.
