Notre Dame Tight End Holden Staes Enters The Transfer Portal

"I want to thank God for guiding me on my journey and allowing me to experience all that Notre Dame has to offer during my two seasons here," Staes said in a statement. "I have grown as a student, player and most importantly as a person during my time here and I am forever grateful.

"I will always cherish the relationships that I have made with my teammates and members of the Notre Dame Football family during my time in South Bend. I want to thank Irish Nation for supporting me and my family throughout my time in the Blue and Gold. After many conversations and prayer with my family, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal."

Staes was a key part of the tight end rotation this season. He finished the season with 15 catches for 176 yards and four touchdowns. His four scores in the pass game were second most this season. 

Staes seemed to be on the verge of breaking out when he went for 115 yards on four catches, including a pair of touchdowns, in the 45-24 win over NC State. He never repeated that level of performance, catching just 10 passes for 57 yards in the final ten games. 

The Georgia native missed the final game of the season with an injury, but until that time he remained a steady factor in the offense, even though he wasn't targeted as much. Staes finished the season with 369 snaps according to Pro Football Focus, and while his blocking still needs development, he showed growth in this area as a sophomore.

Staes has two seasons of eligibility remaining.