Tide QB Buchner returning to Irish for lacrosse

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN

• Senior WriterDec 20, 2023, 01:55 PM ET Close College football press reporter.
• Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
• Graduate of Northwestern University.Alabama backup quarterback Tyler Buchner states he will transfer back to Notre Dame to play lacrosse following the Crimson Tide’s run in the College Football Playoff.Buchner, who began his football profession with the Battling Irish and was the starting quarterback to begin the 2022 season, has yet to formally enter the transfer portal however revealed Wednesday on social networks that he will go back to Notre Dame and earn his degree in May. He transferred to Alabama following spring practice earlier this year and reunited with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.Editor’s Picks 1 Related”I’ll be continuing my preliminary dedication to Alabama Football through the playoff and completing what I started,”Buchner composed on X. “I

can’t thank everybody enough for their ongoing assistance.”Buchner began for Alabama in Week 3 at South Florida however struggled, finishing 5 of 14 passes for 34 lawns. Jalen Milroe regained the beginning task the following week and helped Alabama to an SEC title and a playoff berth. The fourth-seeded Crimson Tide will take on No. 1 Michigan in the CFP Semifinal at the Rose Championship game presented by Prudential on Jan. 1. A San Diego native, Buchner had 949 passing backyards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2 years at Notre Dame. After suffering an injury in a Week 2 loss to

Marshall in 2022, he returned to help Notre Dame to a Gator Bowl win over South Carolina, passing for 273 lawns and 3 touchdowns.Buchner was a standout lacrosse midfielder in high school. Notre Dame won its very first national title in lacrosse in May and will start its 2024 season in February.Buchner follows Drew Pyne, another former Notre Dame QB who recently bet Arizona State, in returning to the Irish. Pyne likewise wishes to graduate but won’t play football once again up until after he leaves Notre Dame.