Former Notre Dame football standout looking for new home after spending just one year down in SEC country

It wasn’t too long ago that tight end Holden Staes was firmly a part of the long term plans for Notre Dame. After originally being a member of the 2022 recruiting class, Staes didn’t get a ton of opportunities as a true freshman. He began getting a ton of opportunity in 2023 as a sophomore, where he hauled in 15 receptions for 176 yards and four touchdowns.

Combining him with Mitchell Evans, it looked like Staes could be a vital component of creating one of the best tight end duos in all of college football. Instead, he opted to enter the transfer portal after that sophomore year. Staes would eventually end up with the Tennessee Volunteers.

His production in 2024 down in Knoxville was pretty similar to his last year in South Bend, except he wasn’t able to create as many explosive plays. He ended that campaign with 15 receptions for 131 yards and a score. Staes was the second leading receiver at tight end behind senior Miles Kitselman.

On Thursday, Staes made a similar decision to last offseason, as he is once again entering the transfer portal. Staes currently has one year of eligibility remaining, and holds 31 receptions and five touchdowns to his name. Not quite the impact he probably envisioned coming out of Westminster School in Georgia.