Notre Dame closing in on popular 355-pound behemoth in transfer portal

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish definitely need to add a defensive tackle in the transfer portal, and some are actually expecting them to make multiple additions at the position.

Well, Notre Dame has already scheduled visits with two interior defenders, one of which is former UCF lineman Horace Lockett.

Why is this so significant? Because Lockett — who played in just four games in 2025 before tearing a pectoral muscle — is 6-foot-6 and weighs in at a gargantuan 355 pounds, making him just the run stuffer that the Fighting Irish need up the middle.

Lockett actually began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech in 2022 and spent three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, barely receiving any playing time. He transferred to UCF in December 2024 and logged 13 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack during his limited time on the field with the Knights this past season.

Horace Lockett could be just what the Notre Dame Fighting Irish need

The retirement of defensive tackle Donovan Hinish has certainly put Notre Dame in a difficult spot when it comes to defensive tackle.

The Fighting Irish’s depth at the position is incredibly scarce, so in order to ensure that they are sound in the trenches, they will almost have to add at least two defensive tackles to their roster via the transfer portal.

Although his statistical sample size is rather bare, it’s hard to think of a better option than Lockett based on his size alone.

A former three-star prospect, Lockett is the 33rd-ranked defensive lineman in the transfer portal this winter, which feels a bit low given his potential. Had he not suffered a season-ending injury so early in 2025, he may have enjoyed a breakout campaign.

But because of Lockett’s lack of overall production, the jury is still largely out on the Atlanta native.

Lockett has one year of eligibility remaining, and it would certainly be nice for Notre Dame to add him for the chance of a national championship run in 2026. He also has visits lined up with Nebraska, Ohio State, Ole Miss and South Carolina.

The Fighting Irish lost their first two games of 2025 before reeling off 10 straight victories, but were ultimately left out of the College Football Playoff. They also declined a bowl invitation.

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