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Former Notre Dame and Alabama starting quarterback Tyler Buchner is back in the transfer portal. This time, he’s choosing to pursue a lacrosse career.
The passer is expected to make a return to the Fighting Irish after wrapping up football season in Tuscaloosa. That didn’t stop the Crimson Tide LAX team from making their pitch.
Buchner spent two seasons in South Bend where he competed in 13 games.
As a freshman, he threw for 298 yards and ran for 336 more, totaling six touchdowns. He assumed the starting role in Year 2 with the program but was injured early in the 2022 campaign.
Though his season was cut short, Buchner was able to return for Notre Dame’s bowl game against South Carolina where he led the Irish to a 45-38 win. Throwing for a career-high 273 yards, he elevated his stock heading into ’23.
Alabama, who hired Buchner’s offensive coordinator away from South Bend, found itself with very little experience at the QB position entering the year. When the Irish landed Sam Hartman in the transfer portal last offseason, Buchner made the decision to leave.
The previous relationship with OC Tommy Rees proved beneficial as he wound up in T-Town. Unfortunately, he didn’t see much action on the field.
Competing with Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, Buchner dropped down the depth chart. In his lone start, he went 5-for-14 against South Florida, totaling just 34 yards through the air.
Milroe eventually took control of the starting job, and Buchner decided to return to his original home.
Tyler Buchner to return to Notre Dame
The signal caller is set to return to South Bend, though it appears a new sport is top of mind. Buchner intends to play lacrosse for the Fighting Irish after his season at Alabama comes to an end, first reported by Terry Foy of Inside Lacrosse.
I’m told that Buchner will finish the Bama football season with the team (as has been reported in multiple outlets), then intends to return to Notre Dame, where he’ll join the defending @NCAALAX champions @NDlacrosse in time for the 2024 season. https://t.co/RNY6JGiwps
— Terry Foy (@TerenceFoy) December 5, 2023
Buchner, originally from California, was once a Michigan lacrosse commit and a top prospect in the class of 2021. He opted to pursue a football career, of course, but it doesn’t seem the sport has ever left his mind.
“I think that he just wants to reassess and explore all options,” Pete Nakos of On3 Sports said of the decision. “I think it’s something he really wants to do.”
Tyler Buchner spurns Alabama lacrosse offer
The Fighting Irish weren’t the only ones competing for Buchner’s services. In fact, the Alabama lacrosse team reached out!
Unfortunately for the Tide, it absolutely was an offer he could refuse.
Hey @tylerbuchner in all seriousness, we have a spot for you https://t.co/UbvWjs4csc
— Alabama Lacrosse (@AlabamaLax) December 4, 2023
“We have a spot for you!” the LAX team’s social media account responded to seeing Buchner in the transfer portal.
Hmm….
Reigning D1 national champions in South Bend or club level program in Tuscaloosa? The choice was an easy one for the former quarterback.
Worth a shot!
It will be interesting to see how Buchner fits into the Notre Dame lacrosse program next season, and hopefully, he can end his Alabama career with a national title.
It’s not yet known whether the passer will attempt to rejoin the Irish football squad at a later date.