Chris Guiliano Enters Transfer Portal ‘Given Current Uncertainties’ at Notre Dame
The Notre Dame men’s swimming program is under suspension for at least the 2024-25 season after an external review revealed NCAA violations regarding gambling and issues involving team culture. The review absolved head coach Chris Lindauer and the staff of blame for the situation, and the women’s swimming and diving team plus the diving team were unaffected.
The suspension will disrupt the college career of Chris Guiliano, who became the program’s first male U.S. Olympian this summer when he won the 100 freestyle and placed second in the 50 and 200 free at the U.S. Olympic Trials, becoming the first American since Matt Biondi to swim all three events at the Olympic level.
In response, Guiliano has decided to enter the transfer portal, albeit reluctantly. Sports Illustrated first reported the news Wednesday, and Guiliano confirmed his decision with an Instagram post. He noted that he made the decision to hit the portal “with a heavy heart,” and that he has not ruled out remaining at Notre Dame.
“Given the current uncertainties regarding how and when those of us with eligibility can return to training here, I have chosen to take this step to consider the options available for me to further my goal of continuing to swim for Team USA. Importantly, this is not a declaration that I have decided to leave and train elsewhere, and I remain open to fulfilling my remaining requirements to graduate from the University of Notre Dame.”
During the 2023-24 college season, the Fighting Irish men’s team achieved their highest finishes in program history, taking second at the ACC Championships and 10th at the NCAA level, with Guiliano placing third, fourth and fifth in his individual events and leading a pair of top-eight relays.
Even if Guiliano were to leave South Bend, Ind., he would not be able to compete for another program this NCAA season, given that the transfer portal window has long since passed. Any moves made would be with future collegiate seasons and long course competitions involved. The 21-year-old, who earned a pair of relay medals at the Paris Games, will be among the favorites to qualify for the World Championships next summer in the freestyle events.