Notre Dame has been relatively open about its plan to pursue a quarterback in the transfer portal this offseason.

That reality is not an issue for quarterback Tyler Buchner, who entered the 2022 season as the Fighting Irish’s starter. He played in just two games before suffering a shoulder injury that ended his regular season.

On Sunday, Buchner told reporters that he’s not surprised about Notre Dame’s plans in the portal.

“I honestly figured they’d bring in someone,” Buchner said. “There’s been rumblings about it. I understand. Someone gets hurt, you need more depth in the room.”

Buchner is in line to potentially play against South Carolina in the Gator Bowl. He replaces Drew Pyne, who started the final 10 games of Notre Dame’s regular season.

However, Pyne decided to enter the portal earlier this month. His departure leaves Buchner and true freshman Steve Angeli as the only true freshmen quarterbacks on the roster.

Notre Dame plays South Carolina on Dec. 30.