Notre Dame safety Kennedy Urlacher has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, paving the way for a fresh start and new opportunities. Urlacher, a former three-star recruit from Arizona, appeared in all 14 games as a freshman for the Irish, recording 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
Kennedy, the son of Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, received a lot of attention when he started football. After one year in South Bend, he’s seeking a new home, one that could optimize his potential, provide immediate playing time, or bring him closer to his roots.
Top Transfer Portal Landing Spots for S Kennedy Urlacher
Several programs expressed interest in Urlacher during his high school recruitment process. His previous offers, family connections, and team needs provide a solid framework for projecting his next destination. Here are the five schools that best suit Kennedy.
Arizona Wildcats
During Urlacher’s high school recruitment, the Arizona Wildcats were one of the programs that made an offer. Returning to his home state would not only provide comfort and familiarity but also provide Arizona with a seasoned defensive back with Power Five experience.
Arizona’s secondary suffered due to multiple departures to the portal, and Urlacher could chip in as a depth player or perhaps push for a starting position. Furthermore, playing in the desert brings him closer to family and close friends, which is something many players consider during their second recruitment.
Washington Huskies
While Washington did not explicitly offer Urlacher, the current Huskies staff includes multiple coaches from the University of Arizona, who did offer him out of high school.
This relationship makes Washington a compelling dark horse candidate. The Huskies just rebuilt their defense, losing key stars to the NFL and the transfer portal. Urlacher, who is familiar with the Pac-12 and has played in the Power Five, could be a natural fit in their growing system.
New Mexico Lobos
This one has a significant sentimental value. Brian Urlacher, Kennedy’s father, was a legend in New Mexico before rising to NFL glory with the Chicago Bears. If Kennedy wants to continue his legacy, the Lobos will welcome him with open arms.
While New Mexico is a Group of Five program, Urlacher is anticipated to start right away and become the defense’s face. It’s a unique opportunity to be a legacy leader while also helping to turn around a losing squad that could benefit from a high-profile addition.
TCU Horned Frogs
TCU was extensively involved in Urlacher’s recruitment throughout his high school years and could renew that interest now that he is available again. The Horned Frogs are known for producing NFL-ready defenders, and Urlacher could benefit from that track record.
Following a poor defensive performance last season, TCU is attempting to strengthen its back end. Urlacher’s experience at a top college like Notre Dame could provide them with the discipline and leadership they require in the locker room.
California Golden Bears
If there’s a team on this list that badly needs defensive support, it’s California. The Golden Bears have a fragile back end, and injuries, paired with uneven play, have left the coaching staff hustling.
Kennedy Urlacher could not only add depth but could earn a starting spot right away. Cal did not offer him out of high school, but their current predicament could outweigh any previous error. They just require defenders, and Urlacher possesses experience, physicality, and versatility.
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Kennedy Urlacher is only in his early collegiate football career, but he possesses the reputation, experience, and potential to make an impact anywhere. Whether he goes with a familiar face, a heritage program, or a squad in need of support, Urlacher will be one of the most intriguing figures to watch this summer.
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