Notre Dame graduate transfer Jalen Stroman expected to hit the ground running when he joined the team in January. However, after missing most of the 2025 season due to injury, he discovered that he would need surgery to address a clavicle issue after a routine CT scan by the Notre Dame medical team.
“I was supposed to get cleared, but after the CAT scan, I found out I needed a little surgery,” Stroman said. “I took it in stride, kept going, and stayed focused on my business.”
Though it’s frustrating for Stroman to miss spring ball, the good news is that he’ll be back soon. “Probably by the end of spring,” he said about when he expects to be cleared. “I feel strong right now. I just need to make sure it’s stable and get it even stronger before I’m fully ready.”
Stroman’s decision to choose Notre Dame over Boise State, UCLA, and USC was based on a leap of faith. The Bristow (Va.) native didn’t know anyone on the roster when he committed but immediately felt a strong connection during his recruiting visit. “The culture, the winning mindset, and the people,” Stroman explained. “It felt different in a good way. I felt comfortable right away, and I started learning as soon as I got here.”
His first experience with Notre Dame’s culture was being on campus during the Irish’s College Football Playoff run. Stroman and the other mid-year enrollees were in Atlanta for the National Championship game, which served as significant inspiration. “It was inspiring to experience that from the outside looking in,” Stroman said. “It made me want to go back, and I want to help this team get there.”
Once Stroman returns to the field, he brings 36 games of experience and 111 career tackles to the Irish secondary, with hopes of adding an interception to his resume. “I definitely took a big step in the film room at Virginia Tech,” he said. “Now I need to work on my ability to pick off the ball. That’s something I need to prove, and I’m ready to do it.”
Though it’s unclear where exactly he’ll fit, Stroman expects to work at free safety opposite Adon Shuler. “I know they’ve been moving me between field and boundary, but being versatile is key,” Stroman said. “Knowing everything will be really beneficial for me.”
Stroman is also aware of Notre Dame’s success with grad transfer defensive backs, especially under the guidance of Mike Mickens. While Mickens wasn’t the main reason Stroman chose Notre Dame, the two are already aligned. “He told me the truth, and that’s all I need from a coach – to believe in me,” Stroman said. “That’s enough for me to get to work.”
