Tionne Gray: Notre Dame Secures Oregon DT, Bolstering Defensive Line with Elite Transfer Talent

SOUTH BEND, IN – In a significant move that sent ripples across the collegiate football landscape, Notre Dame announced on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the commitment of Oregon defensive tackle Tionne Gray. This acquisition marks the eighth transfer addition for the Fighting Irish since Monday, signaling a clear intent by head coach Marcus Freeman to aggressively build a formidable roster through the transfer portal.

Gray, a redshirt sophomore from St. Louis, Missouri, arrives in South Bend with a towering 6-foot-6 frame and an imposing 336 pounds, instantly making him the second-heaviest player on Notre Dame’s roster, only narrowly trailing fellow defensive tackle Sean Sevillano Jr. His physical attributes alone are a game-changer, promising to fill a critical void and provide the Irish with a dominant presence in the trenches.

From Hazelwood Central to the Golden Dome: Gray’s Journey

A product of Hazelwood Central High School, Gray was initially a highly-touted four-star recruit, a testament to his raw talent and potential even before his collegiate career began. His journey led him to Oregon, where he spent two seasons, gaining valuable experience within one of the deepest and most talented defensive line rooms in the country, as noted by CBS Sports college football & transfer portal analyst Cooper Petagna.

During the 2025 season, Gray saw action in 13 games for the Ducks, accumulating 232 total snaps. Despite the depth around him, he managed to make his presence felt, recording 18 tackles, including two for loss, and a memorable blocked field goal against James Madison in Oregon’s first-round College Football Playoff victory. His contributions were particularly notable in crucial moments, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure. However, his time at Oregon wasn’t without its challenges; he missed two November games against Minnesota and USC due to an undisclosed ailment.

Gray’s decision to enter the transfer portal came after Oregon’s College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Indiana. While he considered other prominent programs like Missouri, Nebraska, Clemson, and Cal, the allure of Notre Dame and the opportunity for an expanded role ultimately won him over. His departure from Oregon, while a loss for the Ducks, was perhaps inevitable given the immense depth on their defensive line, with players like Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington opting to return for another season, creating a bottleneck for playing time.

A ‘Space Eater’ with Immense Upside

Gray’s arrival is more than just an addition of size; it’s an infusion of elite potential. According to 247Sports, he was ranked as the No. 17 overall player and the No. 3 defensive lineman in the transfer portal, a clear indicator of his high ceiling. Cooper Petagna’s assessment further underscores this:

“A 6-foot-6, 330-pound space eater, Gray’s size-athleticism profile on the interior defensive line is a true scarcity at the collegiate level,” Petagna remarked. “He flashes a high-upside skill set built on first-step quickness, suddenness, and raw power. Still very much a work in progress, his natural size, play strength, and movement skills give him the ability to impact games early while continuing to develop from both a technical and play-recognition standpoint.”

This glowing evaluation paints a picture of a player who, despite having logged significant snaps in a competitive environment, is still only scratching the surface of his capabilities. Petagna projects Gray as a potential all-conference interior defender with legitimate Day 1–early Day 2 NFL upside, provided he continues his physical and technical development.

For Notre Dame, Gray is expected to be a crucial “space eater” in the middle of the defensive line. His ability to occupy multiple blockers will free up Notre Dame’s already deep and talented linebacker corps, allowing them to pursue ball carriers and make plays unhindered. This tactical advantage is something the Irish haven’t consistently had in years, and Gray’s presence promises to unlock new defensive schemes and greater overall effectiveness.

Notre Dame’s Aggressive Portal Strategy Pays Off

Gray’s commitment highlights Notre Dame’s proactive and successful approach to the transfer portal in early 2026. He is part of an impressive haul that includes five players from Big Ten schools—Gray himself, former Ohio State wideouts Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter, former Michigan cornerback Jayden Sanders, and former Purdue kicker Spencer Porath. Additionally, the Irish have secured talent from other top programs, with transfers like Keon Keeley from Alabama, DJ McKinney from Colorado, and Francis Brewu from Pittsburgh, the latter of whom will complement Gray’s role by providing an explosive interior presence alongside his space-eating capabilities.

This strategic blend of physical dominance and explosive playmaking potential positions Notre Dame to address key roster needs and elevate its defensive performance significantly. With Gray having three years of eligibility remaining, his impact is expected to be long-term, providing stability and elite talent for seasons to come. His PFF grade of 65.7 in 2025, while not top-tier, would have ranked him eighth among Irish defensive tackles, on par with former captain Donovan Hinish, who retired due to injury. This suggests he’s already at a competitive level, with immense room for growth within Notre Dame’s system.

Ultimately, Tionne Gray’s transfer to Notre Dame is more than just another roster addition; it’s a strategic coup that underscores the evolving landscape of college football. His rare combination of size, athleticism, and untapped potential, coupled with Notre Dame’s proven track record of developing defensive talent, positions him not merely as a valuable contributor but as a foundational piece capable of transforming the Irish’s defensive identity for years to come, potentially leading them to sustained success in the rigorous College Football Playoff era.