Notre Dame Hit With Bitter Blow as Star Enters Transfer Portal

Notre Dame EDGE Junior Tuihalamaka Expected to Enter Transfer Portal

Notre Dame EDGE Junior Tuihalamaka is planning to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. His decision comes after a Louisiana judge issued a restraining order allowing Tuihalamaka and 15 other football players from the 2022 recruiting class to return to college football this season.

Tuihalamaka spent the past four seasons with the Fighting Irish. In 2025, he appeared in all 12 games and made three starts, finishing the season with 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass breakup.

In 2024, when Notre Dame advanced to the national championship game, Tuihalamaka played in all 16 games. He recorded 33 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Prior to that season, he was also included on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List.

Tuihalamaka appeared in all 13 games during the 2023 season and registered 10 tackles. As a freshman in 2022, he played in all 13 games, starting once, and recorded six tackles while also contributing on special teams.

Tuihalamaka’s Recruiting Background and NCAA Response

Tuihalamaka attended Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, California. During his senior season, he recorded 84 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Coming out of high school, Tuihalamaka was regarded as a four-star prospect. He was ranked No. 198 overall in the 2022 On3|Rivals Industry Rankings, while also earning the No. 19 ranking among EDGE prospects and the No. 13 ranking among players in California.

The decision allowing Tuihalamaka and the other 15 players to return to college has drawn criticism from the NCAA. Following the Louisiana ruling, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs Tim Buckley issued a statement addressing the situation.

Buckley criticized courts for granting eligibility relief to athletes who had previously exhausted their opportunities to play college sports. According to the Associated Press, he argued that such rulings could create significant instability across college athletics and potentially allow professional athletes to view college sports as a fallback option, while taking opportunities away from players who have yet to begin their college careers.