Following mulitple players leaving Notre Dame’s men’s basketball program, there was a big need to add talent through the transfer portal.

A few have already decided to join the Irish, and on Sunday night another opted to don the Blue and Gold. Rising senior guard Braeden Smith, who started his career at Colgate before transferring to Gonzaga this past season committed to Notre Dame as the weekend ended.

The 6-foot and 170-pounder averaged 17.1-minutes and 5.1-points this past season for the Bulldogs, will bring veteran leadership to the Irish. While his statistical numbers aren’t eye-popping, having three-years of solid play under his belt will help this coming season.

Smith shot 46.7% from the field this past year, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and will add some much needed shooting to the Irish. He won the Patriot League Player of the Year at Colgate, and Notre Dame hopes to bring out that kind of production out of his in 2026-27.

NEWS: Gonzaga transfer guard Braeden Smith has committed to Notre Dame, he told @On3. ⁰The 6-0 junior averaged 5.1 points and 3.6 assists a game this season. Former Patriot League POY at Colgate where he averaged 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists as a sophomore.… pic.twitter.com/8E3iTbck3E

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame lands a former POY through the transfer portal Sunday night