It is official, redshirt freshmen CJ Carr has been named the starting quarterback for the 2025-26 season. Carr won a tough QB competition throughout spring and fall camp. One that included the now-transferred Steve Angeli and new backup Kenny Minchey. 

All three quarterbacks have proven they are capable of taking over the starting position after Riley Leonard graduated. However, it’ll be the highly talented freshman that gets the nod in the season opener against Miami. 

Who Is CJ Carr? 

Coming out of high school, he was a four-star recruit and was highly recruited by most FBS universities. He came into Notre Dame with a ton of hype, and now he will have an opportunity to show why it was well deserved. 

Although you may recognize the last name, he has no relation to David and Derek Carr. However, he is related to legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr. Who stirred up plenty of controversy when he was photographed wearing a Notre Dame hat in CJ’s commitment ceremony. 

He appeared in one game last season against Purdue. However, he did not record a stat in that game, so it is a clean slate in 2025 for Carr. Which also means the first time he will throw a football in a competitive college game will be against the Miami Hurricanes. 

Now I could either be a very good thing in your mind or a very worrisome thing. But I am here to tell you that you should have full confidence in CJ Carr to lead this offense throughout 2025. 

Tale Of The Tape 

Carr certainly has all the intangibles needed to be a successful quarterback at the Division I level. He stands at 6 ft 3 inches tall and weighs in at 210 pounds. With his size and strength, he will certainly be difficult to bring down. Speaking of strength, it can’t be stated enough that this kid has an absolute cannon.

Throwing for over 2500 yards in each of his three years starting in high school at Saline (Michigan). Accuracy is also one of his upsides, as he completed 69% of his passes during his senior season in high school. That is something Notre Dame did lack at times last year with Riley Leonard, who was more of a runner than a pocket-passing quarterback. 

Kenny Minchey’s Future 

Speaking of dynamic runners, it’ll be interesting to see if Kenny Minchey will have any packages in week one. In my opinion, he is a better runner than Carr, and his legs could be very useful to this Notre Dame offense. Especially in the RPO game or any true option packages the Irish decide to run this season. 

In limited action last season, he ran for a touchdown against Purdue. As he has shown highlight playability with his legs in the past. Personally, I would love to see him featured in some capacity throughout the Miami game and later on in the season. 

Catching, Not Passing

CJ Carr will have plenty of weapons to throw the football towards in 2025. As Notre Dame returns a very experienced wide receiver room. That is something that has been rare in the past several years, arguably going back to the Jimmy Clausen era. For the first time in a very long time, Notre Dame could have one of the best wide receiver groups in the country. 

Jaden Greathouse is back, following an incredible breakout season. He caught 42 balls for just shy of 600 yards and 4 touchdowns. That is double his stats, yardage-wise, in 2023, and one less TD. As he is finally the true number one on offense. He will need to step up and continue his solid production in 2025. As he was a key contributor in the back half of the season and throughout the playoffs. 

Malachi Fields emerges as another huge transfer Notre Dame will count on. Coming over from Virginia, the big-play threat logged 124 receptions, 1,781 yards, and 11 touchdowns in three full seasons. 

He played 4 years total at UVA, missing virtually all of 2022 with a broken foot. He will be looked at as a deep ball threat for Carr this season. as he looks to prove himself to be, once again, one of the top statistical receivers against the Atlantic Coast Conference. 

Jordan Faison, the two-sport star, also looks to continue to be a major factor in the passing game. After being vital over the past couple of years. He recorded 30 receptions for 356 yards and a touchdown last season. 

There are also a couple of key incoming freshmen, Jerome Betis Jr. (yes, that one) and Elijah Burress. Both of whom are sons of NFL legends. They will look to make an immediate impact in South Bend as well. Cam Williams is also another solid true freshman that could make an immediate impact this season. 

The Line Of Reception 

Notre Dame has produced some incredible tight ends over the years. With way too many to sit here and list because we would be here for hours. Mitchell Evans is off to the NFL, and in his place, Eli Rairdon looks to take over as the number one. 

The 6 ft 7 in big man was solid last season, appearing in all 16 games. He contributed with 11 catches and a pair of touchdowns.With Cooper Flanagan behind him, who will likely see action as well. 

Questions To Be Answered

What do you think about Carr being named the starting QB?

Do you think he will have immediate success or struggle throughout the early games?

In your opinion, can he lead Notre Dame to a playoff spot for the second straight season?