Here’s a bold statement: the transfer portal is reshaping college football in ways we’re only beginning to understand. And Notre Dame just made a move that’s turning heads—snagging not one, but two former Ohio State wide receivers. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a game-changer for the Irish, or just a risky bet on players who couldn’t crack the Buckeyes’ lineup? Let’s dive in.
On Tuesday, Mylan Graham, a highly touted wide receiver, officially committed to Notre Dame for the 2026 season. This announcement came just days after fellow Ohio State transfer Quincy Porter made a similar pledge. Graham’s journey to South Bend is particularly intriguing. After entering the transfer portal earlier this month—a move first reported by On3’s Hayes Fawcett—Graham quickly became a hot commodity, drawing interest from Auburn, Ole Miss, and Louisville, among others. Yet, it was Notre Dame that ultimately won his commitment.
And this is the part most people miss: Ohio State didn’t let Graham go without a fight. The Buckeyes made a late push to retain him, but their efforts fell short. Why? Perhaps it’s because Graham, ranked as the No. 105 overall player and No. 24 wide receiver in the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Ranking, saw a clearer path to playing time at Notre Dame. Or maybe it’s the allure of a fresh start closer to his Hoosier State roots.
Graham’s story is fascinating. As a high school standout from New Haven, Indiana, he was the No. 39 recruit and No. 9 wide receiver in the 2024 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He visited Notre Dame three times during his recruitment, often accompanied by his close friend Tae Johnson, a star Irish safety from nearby Fort Wayne. Johnson’s presence undoubtedly played a role in Graham’s decision, but it’s also worth noting that Notre Dame was one of the few programs to offer Graham a scholarship during his high school days—a rarity among the five portal players who visited South Bend last Tuesday.
Here’s the controversial question: Did Ohio State mishandle Graham’s talent? His stats in Columbus were underwhelming—just 6 catches for 93 yards over two seasons. Compare that to his 2025 spring game performance, where he hauled in 4 catches for 103 yards, and you can’t help but wonder if he was buried on the depth chart behind the likes of Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Innis. At Notre Dame, Graham has a chance to rewrite his narrative, but will he live up to the hype?
For the Irish, this move is about more than just adding depth. It’s about finding the right pieces to complement their young, promising wide receiver corps. But with so much talent on the roster, the coaching staff faces a critical challenge: identifying which players are ready to shine on Saturdays and investing in them fully. Graham’s addition suggests he’s one of those players, but only time will tell.
Graham’s high school resume—112 catches for 2,062 yards and 21 touchdowns in 24 games—speaks to his potential. Yet, his time at Ohio State was more about hype than production. Now, as he returns closer to home, the question remains: Can Notre Dame unlock the player he was in New Haven? While it may not be a true homecoming, it’s a move that feels right—and one that could redefine his career.
What do you think? Is Graham’s transfer to Notre Dame a smart move, or is he just another highly touted recruit who couldn’t make it at Ohio State? Let us know in the comments!
