Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
The Observer

Malik Zaire, Corey Holmes and John Montelus announce plans to transfer

In the past week, senior quarterback Malik Zaire, junior receiver Corey Holmes and senior offensive lineman John Montelus have announced their plans to transfer from Notre Dame.

On Wednesday, Zaire was granted his release from the University. According to ESPN, Zaire will be free to transfer to any school he wishes, including those on Notre Dame’s 2017 schedule.

Former Irish senior quarterback Malik Zaire looks to throw across his body during Notre Dame’s 45-27 loss to USC on Nov. 26.
Former Irish senior quarterback Malik Zaire looks to throw across his body during Notre Dame’s 45-27 loss to USC on Nov. 26.
Former Irish senior quarterback Malik Zaire looks to throw across his body during Notre Dame’s 45-27 loss to USC on Nov. 26.


Zaire will graduate at the end of this semester, so he will be eligible to play immediately in the 2017 season. Zaire’s first career start came in the Music City Bowl in 2014 against LSU, where he won the game’s Most Valuable Player award. In 2015, Zaire won the starting job after Everett Golson transferred to Florida State, but he suffered an ankle injury in the second game of the season and did not play the rest of the year. Zaire, who lost the starting job to junior quarterback DeShone Kizer this year, is reportedly considering Florida, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin amongst his options.

Holmes announced his intention to transfer via Twitter on Saturday. Holmes will receive his degree from the University this summer, and like Zaire will be able to play in 2017 if he graduates as expected. In an interview with the South Bend Tribune, Holmes said Miami (Fla.), Arizona State, North Carolina and UCLA are amongst the schools he is considering.

Montelus, a reserve offensive lineman this past season, also announced he plans to transfer Tuesday on Instagram. Montelus, who played in two games this season, also has not determined where he will transfer.