Former Notre Dame QB transfers to Alabama

Just two days after entering the transfer portal, former Notre Dame QB Tyler Buchner found himself a new home in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

As reported by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, Buchner is transferring to Alabama to join his former offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who is currently the Crimson Tide's OC and quarterbacks coach. This all comes just a week after Buchner played in Notre Dame's spring game on April 22.

Buchner was a four-star recruit out of California in the Class of 2021, ranking as the 11th-best quarterback prospect in the nation, according to 247Sports. In his freshman year at Notre Dame, Buchner backed up Jack Coan for the majority of the season, only seeing extended play against Virginia Tech when Coan was benched.

In that game, Buchner led Notre Dame to a 32-29 win, but threw a pair of interceptions and completed less than half of his passes. He would get his chance to start again in 2022 in a season-opening game against Ohio State. After wowing with an eight-for-eight start and a 10-0 lead, Buchner and the Irish struggled the latter half of the game and Notre Dame lost.

Buchner's shown glimpses of promise, but he struggled with inconsistency, completing 56.8% of his passes with the Fighting Irish. He also struggled to keep the ball out of harm's way, throwing eight interceptions to just six touchdowns. Buchner does bring a dual-threat ability, being able to create space and move out of the pocket. In limited action at Notre Dame, Buchner had 459 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

Despite struggling in Notre Dame's spring game, Buchner was reportedly having a good spring camp with the team, according to Matt Zenitz of On3.com. His departure likely results in transfer Sam Hartman claiming the starting role with the Irish, and Buchner will rejoin the man who initially helped recruit him to South Bend, Ind.

At Alabama, Buchner will compete with Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson for the starting job. Milroe, the assumed incumbent, started one game in 2022 for Alabama against Texas A&M when Bryce Young suffered an injury. Milroe was limited to the short passing game, but he completed 12 of his 19 attempts for 111 yards and three scores with one interception. He also ran for 81 yards but fumbled the ball twice.

Simpson is a five-star recruit out of Tennessee and was the No. 3 quarterback in the Class of 2022, according to 247Sports. Simpson attempted just five passes in his collegiate career. While Alabama already has existing, highly recruited talent at quarterback, Buchner will get a good chance to compete for the starting job, especially after Milroe and Simpson reportedly struggled in Alabama's spring game.