Alabama quarterback Tyler Buchner is heading back to Notre Dame, but instead of playing football again, he will join the Irish lacrosse squad next season after graduating in May.
Buchner announced Wednesday on social media he will complete his college football playoff run with Alabama before pursuing a new athletic path.
The former Notre Dame football starter thanked supporters and said he looks forward to finishing what he started with the Crimson Tide.
I am excited to return to ND to play lacrosse and graduate in May. Prior to that, I’ll be continuing my initial commitment to Alabama Football through the playoff and finishing what I started. I can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support.
— Tyler Buchner (@tylerbuchner) December 20, 2023
Buchner played two seasons with Notre Dame football, including 13 total games. He earned the starting QB role entering 2022, but an early shoulder injury sidelined him for the year, except for a bowl win over South Carolina.
The former elite lacrosse prospect originally committed to play that sport at Michigan in middle school. Scouting reports once clocked his shot at 100 mph with a top rating. He starred in high school before focusing on football.
By joining Notre Dame’s defending NCAA champion lacrosse team as a graduate transfer, Buchner can play immediately since it is not considered his second transfer as a football student-athlete.
Alabama’s football depth chart will not suffer from his departure with multiple scholarship QBs remaining.
Buchner suited up in two Tide games this season after transferring last spring but became the backup.
Alabama QB Transferring To Notre Dame To Play Lacrosse