As of February 21, 2025, Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, faces a pivotal decision regarding the quarterback position for the upcoming season. With the departure of transfer quarterback Riley Leonard, who led the Fighting Irish to an 11-1 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship, the team must identify a new leader under center. The internal candidates include redshirt freshman CJ Carr, along with Kenny Minchey and Steve Angeli.

 

CJ Carr, a highly touted five-star recruit, has been anticipated as a potential starter. However, his development was hindered by an elbow injury during the 2024 season, limiting his practice time and on-field experience. Despite these setbacks, reports suggest that Carr has resumed throwing and is expected to be a full participant in spring practices. His performance during this period will be critical in determining his readiness to lead the offense.

 

In December 2024, Coach Freeman stated unequivocally that Notre Dame had “no plans on going to the transfer portal for a quarterback,” signaling confidence in the existing roster. This approach aims to foster continuity and develop homegrown talent, moving away from the reliance on transfer quarterbacks that characterized previous seasons. However, this strategy carries inherent risks, especially if the current quarterbacks do not meet performance expectations.

 

The decision to forgo the transfer portal places significant pressure on Carr and his fellow quarterbacks to step up. The success of the upcoming season may hinge on Carr’s ability to recover fully from his injury and adapt to the starting role. His performance in spring and summer practices will be closely scrutinized, as it will influence not only his position on the depth chart but also the overall trajectory of the team’s offensive strategy.

 

Coach Freeman’s commitment to developing in-house talent reflects a broader philosophy of building a sustainable and cohesive team dynamic. While the transfer portal offers immediate solutions, it can disrupt team chemistry and hinder the development of recruited players. By investing in players like Carr, Freeman aims to cultivate leadership and consistency within the program.

 

In summary, Marcus Freeman’s decision to rely on existing quarterbacks, particularly CJ Carr, underscores a strategic shift towards internal development. This approach carries both potential rewards and significant risks, contingent upon Carr’s health and performance. The forthcoming practices and preseason will be decisive in shaping Notre Dame’s offensive identity and success in the 2025 season.