Tyler Buchner returning to Notre Dame football as a wide receiver

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Former Notre Dame quarterback, Alabama quarterback, and Notre Dame lacrosse national champion, is returning as a walk-on for Head Coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame football team this 2024 season.

Notre Dame released a length letter written by Buchner himself, explaining the ups and downs he has experienced over his collegiate career, at the end, stating:

"Now, as I stand on the threshold of another season, my heart swells with a fervent desire to help Notre Dame achieve the glory we all dream of — a National Championship in football. I am driven by the determination to give my all, to push beyond my limits, and to be a part of something greater than myself. The journey back to Notre Dame has been one of reflection and redemption. It has taught me that home is not just a place, but a feeling of belonging, of being part of a family that stands by you, no matter where the road leads."

Read his full letter here.

Buchner joins the team with an already stacked quarterback room, as the team acquired Duke transfer Riley Leonard out of the transfer portal, as well as returning quarterbacks Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey and Dylan Devezin, and highly touted freshman quarterback, CJ Carr.

Friday, Freeman shared that Buchner was walking on the team as a wide receiver.

Buchner started at quarterback his sophomore season with the Irish until an injury caused him to miss 10 of 13 games. He finished the season 46 of 83 with 652 passing yards and three touchdowns. 

In those three games, Buchner collected 123 rushing yards and ran for four touchdowns of his own.

Buchner returned from injury for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against South Carolina December 30, 2022 and finished with a career-best 18 of 32 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 61 yards on 12 carries and added two touchdowns. 

History was made when Buchner completed a 75-yard touchdown pass to Logan Diggs, marking the second-longest touchdown pass in Notre Dame bowl history. He then found Mitchell Evans in the endzone for a game-winning touchdown with 1:38 remaining in the game. His game performance earned him the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl MVP.

Buchner is also known as the first Chinese American quarterback to start at a Power 5 program from his start at Ohio State on September 3, 2022.