Notre Dame’s junior offensive tackle, Joe Alt, has officially declared his eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft, as he announced via social media on Wednesday morning.
Alt’s decision means that he will not be participating in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Oregon State scheduled for December 29. He joins quarterback Sam Hartman as high-profile offensive players opting out of the bowl game for the 16th-ranked Fighting Irish, who currently hold a 9-3 record.
Reflecting on his journey, Alt expressed gratitude for the experiences he gained during his time at Notre Dame. He acknowledged the transformation from wearing jersey number 45 as a tight end to donning number 76 as a left tackle. He also expressed his appreciation for the friendships he developed both on and off the football field. Alt offered thanks to God for the abilities and opportunities that came his way during his Notre Dame tenure.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighing 322 pounds, Alt is currently ranked 15th overall on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board. This season, he was recognized as a finalist for the Lombardi Award and was named an AP first-team All-American for the second consecutive year.
Alt’s contribution to Notre Dame has been significant, having started 33 consecutive games at left tackle. As of now, the Fighting Irish’s offense ranks 29th in the FBS in total offense, averaging 429.2 yards per game. This figure reflects their performance heading into the upcoming matchup against Oregon State.
The Alt family boasts a strong football legacy, with Joe’s father, John Alt, having been selected 21st overall as an offensive tackle by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1984 NFL Draft.