Pyne intends to enter the transfer portal
Notre Dame quarterback Drew Pyne, the former New Canaan High standout, announced on Twitter Friday he plans enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Pyne spent three years at Notre Dame, but will have three years of eligibility remaining. His intention to transfer was first reported by ESPN and soon confirmed by Pyne.
“One of my proudest honors is to have been a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame. I have been blessed to be among great coaches and teachers and play with teammates I consider brothers. Our bonds will be lifelong. Now, it’s time for me to take on a new challenge, and I will be entering the transfer portal. While I’m excited about what lies ahead, I want to thank the entire Notre Dame community for their support. I am forever grateful fro the experience and memories,” Pyne said on Twitter.
Pyne was a four-star recruit coming out of New Canaan. Pyne finished high school as New Canaan’s career leader in passing yards and touchdowns while winning two state titles.
Pyne has started in 10 games for the Fighting Irish this season and led the the team to an 8-2 record. He threw for 22 touchdowns, six interceptions and rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Pyne also completed 64.6 percent of his passes.
He also played in four games in 2020 and two games in 2021.
“Drew had an amazing experience at Notre Dame,” said George Pyne, Drew’s
father. “He made terrific friends, he enjoyed playing football there, he was coached by so many incredible coaches. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him and as parents, we couldn’t be happier and prouder of him and more grateful to Notre Dame.
“I’m really proud of Drew, proud of the way he carried himself and handled himself, and proud of the way he played.”
The six-foot, 205-pound Pyne spent three years at Notre Dame and took over the No. 1 quarterback job in September, after then-starter Tyler Buchner was injured during a 26-21 loss to Marshall, Notre Dame’s second straight loss to begin the season.
With Pyne at QB, Notre Dame won its next three games over California, North Carolina and BYU, and went on to go 8-2 overall, a mark which includes a 35-14 victory over Clemson on Nov. 5 and four wins in five games against Top 25 teams.
Pyne completed 164of-254 passes, a 64.6 completion
percentage, with 22 touchdown passes and six interceptions. He ranks No. 20 in the country for individual quarterback efficiency.
He also rushed for 108 yards and a pair of TDs.
Notre Dame lost 38-27 to USC on Saturday, but Pyne had a big game, completing 23-of-26 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns.
“I texted him last week and told him I thought his game against USC was his best yet,” New Canaan football coach Lou Marinelli said. “I just see him getting better and better. There were so many naysayers who didn’t think he could play (at Notre Dame) and he proved them all wrong. That’s the kid of kid he is.
“You could see the players at Notre Dame love him, and that he’s well thought of by the coaching staff, He’s just a wonderful kid.”