CJ Carr at Notre Dame: What to know about the Fighting Irish’s QB

CJ Carr enters Notre Dame as one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the country. A four-star recruit from Saline, Michigan, Carr is the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, making his decision to join the Irish a headline in itself.

His high school career showcased elite arm talent and composure, traits that helped him win a heated quarterback battle during the offseason. While many expected veteran Steve Angeli to start, Carr’s consistency and poise convinced coaches that he was ready to lead Notre Dame’s offense from Day One.

Winning the Starting Job

The quarterback competition was one of Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s biggest storylines entering the 2025 season. Carr battled with Angeli and Kenny Minchey, both of whom had more college experience. Ultimately, Carr’s ability to stretch the field with precision passing gave him the edge.

Athlon Sports went as far as to label him Notre Dame’s top impact player for the 2025 season, underscoring how pivotal he will be to the Irish offense. His promotion signals a shift toward building the program around a young quarterback with long-term upside.

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Debut Performance Against Miami

Carr’s first start came in a hostile environment against No. 10 Miami. Despite the pressure, he impressed. The redshirt freshman completed 19 of 30 passes for 221 yards, threw two touchdowns, and added a rushing score in a narrow 27-24 loss.

While the Fighting Irish came up short, Carr’s calmness in the pocket and his ability to execute under pressure stood out. Fans saw glimpses of a quarterback capable of leading sustained drives and making explosive plays, even against a top-10 opponent.

Marcus Freeman’s Confidence in Carr

Head coach Marcus Freeman has been vocal about his confidence in Carr’s future. After the Miami game, Freeman praised Carr’s preparation, toughness, and leadership. “His ceiling is so high,” Freeman said. “He performs when the lights are on, and he prepares his tail off.”

Freeman emphasized that while Carr is still learning, his ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain composure is what sets him apart. The coaching staff believes Carr has the traits to grow into not just a starter, but a potential star in college football.

What to Expect for the 2025 Season

Notre Dame enters the season with playoff aspirations, and Carr will be central to those hopes. Surrounded by a veteran offensive line and dynamic weapons like running back Jeremiyah Love, Carr has the support system to thrive.

Defensively, the Irish are strong under new coordinator Chris Ash, giving Carr some margin for growth as he adjusts to starting full-time. Still, a tough schedule means he will be tested early and often. How quickly he develops will likely decide Notre Dame’s place in the postseason picture.

For fans, the arrival of CJ Carr marks the start of a new era, one built on promise, talent, and the hope that he can finally lead the Irish back into championship contention.