Last July, amid overtures from USC, James Blanchard reportedly signed a two-year, $800,000 contract to remain at Texas Tech.

“Notre Dame is targeting Texas Tech’s James Blanchard for its new general manager position, sources tell me and @TomLoy247 for @CBSSports/@247Sports,” Matt Zenitz said in a post. “At Texas Tech, Blanchard has become of the nation’s most respected college front office figures.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes 34-23 in the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Notre Dame football reeled in four-star offensive tackle Will Black and four-star defensive end Christopher Burgess Jr. at the early signing date.

Rocco Spindler was a starting offensive lineman for the Notre Dame football team, but he is in the transfer portal now. Spindler is obviously one of the top available players in the portal, but he is also one of the top players in the portal in general.

Freeman made an extended run to snag Blanchard away from Texas Tech before the Red Raiders at the time awarded Blanchard with one of college football's top dea