Minnesota was expected to get some help along the defensive line from the transfer portal this offseason. That will no longer be the case.

On Wednesday, former Harvard defensive lineman Chris Smith announced on Twitter Wednesday that he will be transferring to Notre Dame to finish his college career. He was previously verbally committed to Minnesota.

Smith explained his decision while speaking with 247Sports.

“It was really a combination of everything,” said Smith. “They said they needed help on the inside. They said they loved my tape. Once I visited down there, it was really hard to pass up. Just talking to coach Washington, talking to coach Golden, talking to coach Freeman, they all seemed very genuine and that they wanted me. Just looking at all the resources they had, the scheme of defense, just from what I saw on my visit, I really wanted to be there and I wanted to play there. I knew that they could develop me into what I wanted to do.”

Smith was a first-team Ivy League selection following the 2021 season. He was credited with 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries and 2 forced fumbles.

While at Harvard, Smith played in 29 games. He would’ve added some much-needed talent and depth to Minnesota’s defensive line, which lost a lot to the NFL Draft and eligibility.

Now, the Gophers will be looking elsewhere to shore up the defensive front.