Notre Dame guard Cole Certa to enter the transfer portal

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Cole Certa, a sophomore guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Certa emerged as a breakout star this past season, increasing his scoring average from 2.8 points per game as a freshman to 12.8 points per game as a sophomore, including three 30-point performances. He shot 36.7% from three-point range and led the ACC in free-throw percentage at 89.2%. Certa will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school.

Why it matters

Certa's decision to transfer is a significant loss for the Notre Dame basketball program, as he was one of their top scorers and most efficient players this past season. His departure, along with five other Irish players entering the portal, represents a major roster overhaul for the team heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

The details

Certa went from a bench player to a certified starter for Notre Dame this past season, emerging as one of the team's most productive offensive threats. He scored a career-high 37 points against Georgia Tech on February 14 and shot an impressive 89.2% from the free-throw line, leading the ACC. Certa's decision to enter the transfer portal comes as six total Notre Dame players have announced plans to leave the program.

• Certa announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal on April 6, 2026.
• The transfer portal will officially open on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

What’s next

The NCAA transfer portal will officially open on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, at which point Certa and the five other Notre Dame players will be able to formally enter their names and begin exploring options for their next college basketball destination.