Notre Dame is on the verge of greatness, but they’re not raising championship banners just yet. They’ve made significant progress, but the final push is always the hardest. In just three years, Marcus Freeman has revitalized the program, attracting top-tier talent. However, there’s a key challenge: a team’s fate often rests on its quarterback. And despite having a loaded quarterback room, Freeman must address the looming question of quarterback succession.
With Riley Leonard out of eligibility, Freeman needs a reliable backup plan. A new quarterback always stirs up drama, and he’s facing a tough decision. After relying on the transfer portal for Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard in back-to-back seasons, it looks like Notre Dame is ready to bet on its own talent. The Irish have a promising trio in CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey, and Steve Angeli. With spring games approaching, one of them could emerge as the starter, setting up an intense competition. It’s a tricky situation for Freeman—but a Notre Dame insider just might have a solution.
On the Locked on Irish podcast, Tyler Wojciak breaks down the quarterback competition between Steve Angeli, CJ Carr, and Kenny Minchey. Among the trio, former three-star recruit Steve Angeli appears to have the edge. “Right now, going into spring, I think Steve Angeli will get the first-team reps, Kenny Minchey right behind him, CJ Carr at three, and then Blake Hebert, the freshman early enrollee, rounding things out,” Wojciak explained. But what exactly gives Angeli the upper hand as the likely QB1?
Steve Angeli’s time in the program certainly gives him an edge. Having spent seasons backing up Riley Leonard, he’s gained valuable experience. As Tyler Wojciak noted, “How they disperse first-team reps is what I’m most interested in. Angeli will get the first crack—he’s been around the longest. He got first-team reps during last spring’s practice when Riley Leonard missed most of it with an ankle injury.” Angeli has already shown he can handle the pressure of running with the starters. While not every three-star recruit turns into a star like Leonard, Angeli just might be the next hidden gem.
His stats speak for themselves—772 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception? That’s a near-flawless performance. And with a completion rate north of 72%, those are staggering numbers for a freshman. It showcases a quarterback who isn’t just skilled but also efficient and intelligent with the football. While Angeli may not have the most elite raw tools, he provides the depth that Marcus Freeman desperately needs. But here’s where things get even more intriguing.
When it came to first-team snaps, both Angeli and Minchey had their opportunities to shine in the spring game. Minchey’s mobility is a clear advantage, much like how Riley Leonard’s rushing ability gave Marcus Freeman additional offensive flexibility. As for Angeli? He’s proven he can rise to the occasion. Remember when he stepped in for Leonard during the title game after an injury? That moment showed he can handle pressure and isn’t afraid of the spotlight. It’s not just about being a backup—it’s about being ready when called upon, and Angeli has demonstrated that reliability, which is invaluable for a coach. Now, it’s CJ Carr’s turn to make his mark in the spring game.
Even insider Tyler Wojciak shares the same sentiment: “He didn’t really get that opportunity last spring because there were too many guys ahead of him. But when he got in against the twos and threes, he shined. When he faced off against his fellow freshmen, he stood out there as well. Now, he’s finally getting a shot to prove himself against the first-team defense in spring practice, and I think everyone is excited to see it. But first, it’ll be Steve Angeli’s turn, followed by Kenny Minchey and then CJ Carr.”
Tyler doesn’t believe the current quarterback hierarchy is set in stone. “In the quarterback three-part series, I expect it to be Steve Angeli and CJ Carr coming out of the spring, and unfortunately, Kenny Minchey is going to come in third. Someone’s got to come in third,” he explained. He even suggested that if things shake out that way, Minchey could enter the transfer portal after the spring game—a very real possibility.
The biggest challenge for Freeman and the Irish? They’re coming off their longest season ever, leaving them with a shortened spring practice window—while also needing to settle a quarterback battle. That’s a tough mix. And now, with CJ Carr making serious strides, Freeman’s decision is only getting more complicated.
Can Marcus Freeman unleash CJ Carr?
CJ Carr isn’t just another highly touted recruit at Notre Dame—he’s already being seen as a future star by some fans. Many believe he’s the quarterback who can elevate the program, with some even predicting he’ll be a first-round NFL Draft pick before he’s taken a single snap at the college level.
But his journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Carr’s freshman year took a major hit when an elbow injury in September sidelined him for months. While he avoided surgery, Notre Dame took a cautious approach to his recovery, keeping him off the field until he resumed throwing in early November. Despite the setback, his enthusiasm never wavered. As quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli noted, Carr remained actively involved in practices, even when he couldn’t throw. He wasn’t about to fade into the background.
Carr’s work ethic was nothing short of remarkable. “He was in my office every morning, sometimes before I even got there,” Guidugli shared, emphasizing how Carr threw himself into film study, dissecting defenses, and sharpening his football IQ. “Even though he wasn’t on the scout team [after his injury], his preparation was like he was gonna start the game.” That level of commitment speaks volumes about his drive and determination.
This patience and dedication could soon pay off, giving Carr a real shot at competing for the starting job in 2025. While his first year at Notre Dame didn’t include live game action, it showed he’s prepared for when his moment arrives. Now, the real question is: can Marcus Freeman tap into his potential and unlock something truly special?
