Tyler Buchner, the Notre Dame transfer who replaced Ty Simpson in Week 3 against USF in 2023, is probably best remembered by Alabama fans for his brief but dramatic stint in Tuscaloosa. He was the man in Simpson’s path for a brief period of time, but it wasn’t exactly a happy ending, as Jalen Milroe secured the position and Buchner was eventually benched. In South Bend, another Buchner was quietly constructing her own athletic narrative while that quarterback carousel was in full swing.

Now, Tyler’s sister Paige Buchner is making waves on the Notre Dame soccer field. In a recent post on X, ND insider Mike Berardino wrote, “Younger sister of #NotreDame holder/laxman/QB3 Tyler Buchner.” Notre Dame women’s soccer has been on fire this season, and Paige Buchner is one of the reasons why. In a decisive 5-1 victory over Clemson, the forward scored her first goal of the year with a sharp shot into the top corner late in the game. Alongside players like Izzy Engle, who are scoring goals and providing out assists, she is assisting in leading an Irish team that is still unbeaten and at the top of the ACC. Paige’s success on the soccer field shows that she is more than just a name on the roster; she is leaving her mark at South Bend.

But the Buchner story doesn’t end there. Tyler Buchner, Paige’s older brother, is back at Notre Dame as well, but he plays football. Tyler has had his share of headlines following a wild ride that saw him start over Ty Simpson at Alabama, play lacrosse, and then return to South Bend as a walk-on wide receiver. He has experienced everything from transfer drama to a mishandled snap against Texas A&M on September 13, 2025. Still, the familial ties offer a special dimension: both siblings are currently playing collegiate sports for Notre Dame, where they excel in two very different sports.

With Paige ruling the soccer field and Tyler navigating the highs and lows of collegiate football, it’s a traditional sibling plot with a twist. They have united to make Notre Dame somewhat of a family, showing that athletic prowess is obviously inherited from the Buchner family. Tyler’s brief quarterback battles in Alabama may be what fans remember him for, but now it’s Paige who’s making headlines and making defenders sweat at home, showing that spotlight finds you in unexpected ways.

As Paige Buchner scores big, Tyler Buchner juggles football and lacrosse

Tyler’s collegiate athletic career has been one of the most complicated. Before taking over as the starting quarterback in 2022, the Notre Dame alumnus backed up Jack Coan in 2021. That season was cut short by a shoulder injury, which forced him to take a detour to Alabama, where he briefly faced Ty Simpson for the quarterback position. Even though things didn’t go as planned, Tyler wasn’t finished yet. In December 2023, he went back to South Bend to play lacrosse for Notre Dame, where he helped the Fighting Irish win a national championship in 2024.

In 2025, Tyler is facing the ultimate balancing act: playing for the men’s lacrosse team and completing his final year of football eligibility as a wide receiver. Whether it’s playing on Marcus Freeman’s scout team or providing his athleticism when needed, he has been a tremendous asset to the Irish. Additionally, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in business analytics after graduating in the spring, demonstrating that he values academics as much as athletics.

Of course, things haven’t been perfect. Tyler’s late-game mishandling of a critical snap on an extra point in Notre Dame’s 41–40 loss to Texas A&M in Week 3 will remain unforgettable for him as well as the fans. Still, the bigger picture is Tyler’s flexibility and bounce back: from California prep star to Notre Dame quarterback, Alabama transfer, national lacrosse champion, and multi-role football contributor, Tyler’s story is far from over, and 2025 could be the year he leaves his mark in both sports.