Florida International WR transfer Kris Mitchell opens up on Notre Dame commitment, more
Notre Dame crushed Stanford to wrap up its regular season Nov. 25, and there was no down time for the Fighting Irish staff after that game. The offseason transactions of players departing from the program and new ones transferring in started the next week.
On Nov. 28, Florida International wide receiver Kris Mitchell entered the NCAA transfer portal. In his five-season college career, he appeared in 38 games and hauled in 100 passes for 1,663 yards and 12 touchdowns. Most of his receiving numbers came in 2022, as Mitchell caught 64 passes for 1,118 yards (17.5 yards per catch) and scored 7 touchdowns.
The Irish coaches moved fast on Mitchell. They hosted him for an official visit the weekend of Dec. 2.
“Notre Dame was on me hard right when I entered the portal, and they really piqued my interest,” Mitchell told Blue & Gold. “I thought Notre Dame could be it right when they told me to come up on a visit as soon as possible.”
By the end of the weekend, Mitchell found his home for the 2024 season. He announced his commitment Dec. 5, exactly a week after entering the portal.
“I chose Notre Dame because I want to win and be a part of a program and family that shows love and support to one another from the community and fans to the staff,” he said.
Mitchell very well may have been a draftable prospect if he declared to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, which was something he considered. However, the Jacksonville, Fla. native is opting for another year in college at the highest stage to raise his profile even more.
“I considered going to the NFL and talked to my family about it, and we decided that it was best to do another year because I know my worth and my talent,” he explained. “I know I can be a top-round draft pick, and if showing them one more year that it wasn’t a fluke what I did, then I will.”
This isn’t Notre Dame’s first time recruiting an outstanding football player from the Mitchell family. Around this time last year, the Irish extended an offer to Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin class of 2024 cornerback Jon Mitchell, who visited Notre Dame March 25. He visited Penn State a few days later and committed to the Nittany Lions in early April.
“For my brother, it came down to Penn State and Notre Dame, and he went with his heart and chose Penn State,” Mitchell noted. “He told me nothing but great things about Notre Dame, and he really liked it.”
Notre Dame’s 2024 offense is going to look completely different than it did in 2023. The Irish will replace starters at quarterback, running back, both offensive tackle positions, and Mitchell is a part of a wide receiver overhaul. The Irish also have a transfer commitment from ex-Clemson wideout Beaux Collins, and the staff is looking to take a third receiver from the portal as well.
Mitchell is fired up about his future in South Bend.
“The offense is going to be explosive!” he said. “It’s going to something different than you been seeing in the past. I won’t say too much, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Notre Dame quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli and new wide receivers coach Mike Brown stopped by the Mitchell household Thursday, Dec. 14.
“The home visit went great; Coach Brown and Coach Gino came by and showed love,” Mitchell added. “We ate and talked and just got to know each other better. We had a great time.”
Mitchell will enroll at Notre Dame in January with one year of eligibility remaining.
