SoccerPreview
Carrick: Man Utd games vs Liverpool some of my favourites
Carrick highlights the significance of Man Utd vs Liverpool rivalry
Sky Sports1 min read
SportsFeature
Former Oregon DL Tionne Gray expected to blossom at Notre Dame
TL;DR
Tionne Gray, a former Oregon Ducks defensive lineman, is expected to thrive at Notre Dame after being named the 14th-best transfer portal defensive lineman. His size and strength make him a valuable addition to the Fighting Irish's defensive lineup.
Key points
- Tionne Gray transferred from Oregon Ducks to Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Gray was ranked 14th among transfer portal defensive linemen
- He played 275 snaps in a rotational role at Oregon
- Gray is noted for his size and strength on the defensive line
- He is expected to form a strong duo with fellow transfer Brewu
Tionne GrayOregon DucksNotre Dame Fighting Irish
The loss of eight reserves along the Oregon Ducks' defensive line via the transfer portal in January was well covered, as the Ducks return a star quartet of starters. They then added depth in the portal, positioning themselves to be solid along the defensive line this fall.
But that's not to say that the talent that walked out the door was easy to stomach for head coach Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Chris Hampton. One of the highest-impact defenders among those eight departures was Tionne Gray, who landed with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Gray was named by The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr. as the 14th-best transfer portal defensive lineman, a list that's highlighted by Miami's Damon Wilson II and LSU's Princewill Umanmielen. Here's what Khan had to say about the former Duck:
"Gray played in a rotational role last season (275 snaps), but he showed a lot of promise, given his massive size and strength," he wrote. "He has no problem occupying multiple offensive linemen and holding the point of attack in the interior defensive line. Gray and fellow transfer Brewu will give Notre Dame an impressive defensive tackle duo going into 2026."
As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Gray registered 18 total tackles and impressed behind starters Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington. He has a massive 6-foot-6, 336-pound frame, allowing Gray to take on multiple blockers and allow opportunities for his teammates.
He would've commanded an even bigger role in 2026 for the Ducks, but not as big of a role as he'll fill with the Fighting Irish, where he's expected to start at defensive tackle.
Gray's situation is simply another instance of the talent up and down Oregon's roster, where there ultimately isn't enough snaps to go around and make everyone happy. While it may seem like a negative in the short-term, as a bevy of Ducks departed in the portal, it should act as a positive of the recruiting work of Lanning and Hampton that a rotational piece like Gray is headed to start at Notre Dame, another premier program in college football.
Q&A
What impact did Tionne Gray have at Oregon before transferring to Notre Dame?
Tionne Gray played a rotational role at Oregon, showcasing promise with his size and strength, which allowed him to effectively occupy multiple offensive linemen.
Why is Tionne Gray considered a valuable addition to Notre Dame's defense?
Gray is recognized for his ability to hold the point of attack in the interior defensive line, making him a key asset alongside fellow transfer Brewu.
Who ranked Tionne Gray among transfer portal defensive linemen and what was his position?
Tionne Gray was ranked 14th among transfer portal defensive linemen by The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr.
