Getty Image
Depending on who you ask, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Notre Dame Fighting Irish could be considered the two most prestigious programs in college football history.
Tyler Buchner has started at quarterback for both program.
Now, he’s preparing for his next journey. No, not the NFL. Instead, Buchner has entered the transfer portal for a second time. Not to play quarterback somewhere else. But rather to pursue a career in college lacrosse.
BREAKING: Alabama QB Tyler Buchner has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal as a men's lacrosse player, @PeteNakos_ has learned🤯https://t.co/I45wEcbMn6 pic.twitter.com/a2CjC9GSk3
— On3 (@On3sports) December 4, 2023
Pete Nakos of On3 Sports broke the news of Buchner’s decision on Monday evening.
Buchner, a former four-star recruit, played lacrosse throughout high school and initially committed to Michigan to play in college before switching his commitment to Notre Dame to pursue a career in football.
Inside Lacrosse rated him as one of the top overall prospects in the 2021 class.
“Tenacious 1-on-1, the Michigan commit already has college size and strength,” the site said of Buchner’s ability. “What sets him apart is how he takes all his physical tools and combines that with a sense for the goal and innate drive to score. He can blow past defenders and shoot on the run as good as anyone there; he’s uber-talented. He led goal-scorers and was MVP for the Command Division, and for good reason. He’s also a quarterback in football.”
Buchner appeared in 10 games for the Fighting Irish in 2021 before taking over as the starter as a sophomore in 2022. He struggled to find his footing however, completing just 46-of-83 passes for 651 yards, three touchdowns and five interception before an injury cut short his season.
The San Diego native then followed offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to Alabama before losing the starting job to Jalen Milroe.
Bucher got his chance to shine when he started against South Florida, but completed just 5-of-14 passes for 34 yards while playing in a downpour.
Milroe retook the starting job the following week and never look back.
Now Buchner is trying his hand at his first sport, and he should have plenty of suitors.