Notre Dame’s football program is gearing up for a pivotal spring practice session, with a keen focus on the quarterback position. Following the departure of transfer quarterback Riley Leonard, who led the Fighting Irish to a 12-1 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff, the team is set to evaluate its internal talent to identify the next leader under center.

 

**Quarterback Contenders:**

 

1. **Steve Angeli (Redshirt Junior):** Angeli brings the most experience to the table, having appeared in 21 games over the past three seasons. He has completed 58 of 80 passes (72.5%) for 772 yards, with 10 touchdowns and a single interception. Notably, Angeli started in the 2023 Sun Bowl and played a crucial role in the College Football Playoff semifinal victory over Penn State, stepping in mid-game to maintain the team’s momentum. citeturn0search0

 

2. **Kenny Minchey (Redshirt Sophomore):** Minchey has seen limited action, participating in four games over the past two seasons. He has completed all three of his pass attempts for 12 yards and has demonstrated mobility with two rushes totaling 12 yards and a touchdown. His athleticism and football acumen make him a compelling candidate in this competition. citeturn0search1

 

3. **CJ Carr (Redshirt Freshman):** Carr’s inaugural season was marred by an elbow injury, restricting his on-field contributions. However, his high school accolades, including over 8,000 passing yards and 94 total touchdowns, underscore his potential. Now reportedly at 95% health, Carr is poised to fully participate in spring practices, aiming to showcase his readiness to ascend to the starting role. citeturn0search2

 

4. **Blake Hebert (True Freshman):** Hebert enters the fray as an early enrollee, bringing with him a robust high school résumé. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 215 pounds, Hebert flipped his commitment from Clemson to Notre Dame in October. Despite a junior-year ankle injury, he rebounded to earn first-team All-NEPSAC honors as a senior, throwing for 2,107 yards and 26 touchdowns. While he may be considered a long shot for the starting position this season, his participation in spring practices will be crucial for his development and integration into the team’s offensive system. citeturn0search2

 

**Coaching Perspective:**

 

Head coach Marcus Freeman has expressed confidence in the current quarterback room, indicating no plans to seek additional talent through the transfer portal. He emphasized the unique skill sets each quarterback brings, stating, “All possess different talent. All do things well. All have areas of improvement like we all do, but I feel really strong about the quarterback room as a whole.” citeturn0search1

 

**Spring Practice Outlook:**

 

The upcoming spring practices will serve as a critical evaluation period for these quarterbacks. Angeli’s experience may give him an early edge, but Minchey’s athleticism and Carr’s high ceiling ensure a competitive environment. Hebert’s participation will also be closely monitored as he acclimates to the collegiate level. The coaching staff’s decision will likely hinge on each player’s performance in practice, their grasp of the playbook, and their ability to lead the offense effectively.

 

As Notre Dame prepares for the 2025 season opener against Miami, the outcome of this quarterback battle will be pivotal in setting the tone for the team’s aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see who emerges as the new face of the Fighting Irish offense.

 

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