Transfer Portal Buzz: Notre Dame OL Rocco Spindler’s Potential New Home Amid 3 B1G Giants’ Push

Notre Dame are suffering from success. In a development that’s concerning but was foreseeable, South Bend is witnessing a mass exodus. Personnel was bound to be prized away from a program that just made the Natty against the odds. On the flip side, players at the risk of losing their spot are seeking greener pastures than even the leprechauns could conjure. This exodus has breached all three levels of the hierarchy- front office, coaching staff, and roster. Marcus Freeman has lost his GM, defensive coordinator, and 6 offensive linemen. One of these is Rocco Spindler.

6 ‘5, 315-pound man mountain Rocco Spindler came out of high school as a 4-star recruit and a top 5 interior O-lineman in the class of ’21. He started as many as 13 games for Notre Dame this past season, albeit he lost his spot initially. Spindler came into the lineup in week 3 and then was a feature at the line of scrimmage in all but 1 game en route to the National Championship. Despite this, Spindler has chosen to play his final year of eligibility elsewhere. Part of the reason is perhaps the return from long-term injury for Ashton Craig and Charles Jagusah. Both were meant to be contributors for this past year but were sidelined from the outset.

With this competition for places racking up, a move could’ve been requisite for someone with 1 year left. Alas, Rocco Spindler garnered the interest of some of the biggest programs in the country since hitting the portal. 3 stand out, but one in particular is leading the proverbial race.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ QB situation is trending skywards with Dylan Raiola under center. The true freshman showed moments of greatness and growth alike but ended the season strongly. Protection for him is weighing on Matt Rhule’s mind, and he’s taking strides to acquire Rocco Spindler. “Nebraska is in the driver’s seat for him right now…they’re throwing everything they got at Spindler,” claims JR of The Big 10 Huddle Podcast. He offered a detailed rationale for why the Huskers are primed to land Spindler. Mind you, ahead of a program that’s been a conveyor belt when it comes to whipping out NFL-calibre linemen.

JR said, “[Nebraska] have made a big move early on by getting [Spindler] entered into the student directory during his visit. Making sure they can offer him the opportunity to enroll in time for spring [football]. Which is a big factor in his decision.” That’s a shrewd move by Matt Rhule and Co. They’ve also put a little sweetener in to ensure Spindler is trending toward Lincoln. JR also says he’s been offered more in NIL money by the Huskers than he’s been by the Wolverines. However, there is caution to be thrown at the wind. Nebraska can’t quite rest on their laurels.

Curt Cignetti’s Indiana is also in the mix. Rocco Spindler visited Bloomington this past weekend, and it reportedly went well. IU are trailing in this race, however, Sherrone Moore and his maize and blue behemoth are still very much in the reckoning.

“Michigan isn’t entirely out of this race just yet. Spindler still has yet to give a formal commitment to Nebraska and a weekend visit to Michigan is still on the table. This one isn’t over until it’s over…Michigan remains a dark horse until a final decision is made,” remarked JR. So how can the Wolverines pull the curtain on their two B1G adversaries? There are factors favoring them too.

Sherrone Moore has a couple of trump cards over Matt Rhule in this pursuit of Rocco Spindler

For starters, Rocco Spindler is a Michigan native. He went to Clarkston High School, less than 50 miles from Ann Arbor. That’s got to play a part in the final decision. The Wolverines were close to getting Spindler out of high school as well but were just about pipped by Notre Dame. There’s history, and geography, here for Sherrone Moore to take advantage of.

Speaking of which, Moore is himself an allure. You may have rational doubts about him as a head coach, but the work he’s done as an OL coach before was irrefutable. It’s one of the keys to what earned him his current capacity. Michigan are also seeking Spindler’s teammate with the Irish, Pat Coogan, who’s also hit the portal. With Rocco Spindler due for an official visit at the Big House, a twist in this recruitment is very much on the board. Michigan’s tryst with getting back to their pedestal is taking shape on all fronts.

Despite this, Nebraska indeed hold the edge, and JR made sure he reiterated this. “Spindler has indicated that participating in spring football is part of the plan wherever he goes. That’s what he wants to do…which puts Nebraska in the lead in my mind, and also in the mind of others… I’d say Nebraska is most likely to land Spindler,” he said in summation. It remains to be seen what comes of this imminent visit to Ann Arbor and recruitment as a whole. All 3 teams in the fray could do worse than add a National Champion to the trenches.