Despite receiving strong offers from LSU, Georgia, and Clemson, former Big 12 starting quarterback Behren Morton has made his decision to join the Notre Dame Fighting Irish official, sending shockwaves through the college football community. After weeks of conjecture and intense recruiting struggles, the choice is already being hailed as one of the offseason’s most significant transfer decisions.
Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Morton, a former starter for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, adds a proven arm, dual-threat ability, and battle-tested leadership to a Notre Dame team already poised for greatness. Morton recorded more than 4,500 passing yards and 38 touchdowns while playing in the Big 12, and he was praised for his composure against elite defenses.
The fact that he picked Notre Dame over three former national championship programs says a lot about Coach Freeman’s vision and the trajectory of the Irish program. Morton claimed that Notre Dame’s culture, academics, and leadership were the decisive elements, even if LSU and Georgia provided instant national title contention and Clemson made a strong push with their tradition and infrastructure.
Morton expressed his opinions in a social media statement:
I’m supposed to be at Notre Dame. Football is only one aspect of it; other aspects include legacy, development, and leading something bigger than myself. Although I hold the programs that recruited me in the highest regard, this is where I truly belong.
Perhaps that void has now been filled by Notre Dame, which has fielded competitive lineups in previous years but has had trouble finding a reliable elite quarterback. Morton’s arrival immediately puts the Fighting Irish in the running for the 2025 College Football Playoffs.
Notre Dame is now set to become one of the most formidable teams in the country thanks to an experienced quarterback under center, a redesigned defense, and a head coach who is making waves in recruiting and development.
The Fighting Irish have acquired a leader with the abilities and background to alter the course of their program, not just a quarterback.
And it is imperative that the rest of college football pay attention.