Notre Dame Football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2022

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher (54) picks up Chris Tyree (25) after he scored during the 2022 Playstation Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

Nov 6, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) runs the ball as Navy Midshipmen linebacker Diego Fagot (54) pursues in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Buchner was one of the crown jewels of Notre Dame’s 2021 class as the No. 71 recruit in the country as well as the 11th-best quarterback, according to the composite.

The former four-star, top-100 recruit is going to be looked at to take over at quarterback with Jack Coan graduating. The Wisconsin transfer was solid for a year in South Bend, but it’s time to see what he’s really about. He played along with Drew Pyne behind Coan in 2021 and while he didn’t look like an instant superstar, maybe a year in the system has done him wonders.

Buchner completed 58 percent of his passes for 298 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also rushed for 336 yards and three touchdowns, showing he can be a true dual-threat for the Irish.

Does Marcus Freeman go with Pyne or maybe add another transfer in the portal or will he go with the young guy who showed promise in spurts last season?

I think we’ll see Buchner break out and become that guy in 2022.

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish