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Notre Dame offensive lineman Sam Pendleton is entering the transfer portal, according to a report.
That’s per Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of 247Sports. The report notes that Pendleton made 7 starts for the Fighting Irish in 2024 and is a former blue-chip recruit.
Pendleton was one of the players Notre Dame turned to after its offensive line injuries began popping up throughout the year. He was relied on to fill one of Notre Dame’s guard positions at times in 2024 and helped the Irish reach the National Championship game this season for the first time since 2012.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pendleton played 492 snaps this season for the Irish. That was the 6th-most of any offensive lineman on the team. He received an overall grade of 63.2 from PFF for his work in 2024.
Notre Dame’s entire offensive line is able to return next season, so it’s possible Pendleton’s playing time would have shrunk in 2025 had he chose to stay in South Bend.
It’s possible more Notre Dame players will enter the portal over the coming days. Players from teams who participated in the national title game have a 5-day window to enter the transfer portal.
Pendleton is originally from Lawsonville, North Carolina.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
