As the college football season progresses, the anticipation for the future of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is heating up, especially regarding their quarterback situation. ESPN recently took a deep dive into quarterback competitions across the nation, and the Irish are at the forefront of these discussions with some intriguing options for the 2025 season.
CJ Carr’s Potential as QB1
Leading the charge for the starting quarterback position is none other than CJ Carr. Projected to take the reins in 2025, Carr’s journey is just beginning. Despite having only appeared in one game this season without any statistics, his potential is undeniable. The former four-star recruit was ranked as the No. 66 prospect, the No. 6 quarterback, and the top player out of Michigan in On3’s Industry Ranking for 2024. His impressive accolades set high expectations for his future in South Bend.
Competition in the Room
But Carr isn’t the only name in the mix. Steve Angeli, who will be entering his fourth year with the program, is also vying for the starting spot. Angeli has shown promise, completing 58 of 79 passes (a remarkable 73.4% completion rate) for 772 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception over 20 appearances, including a single start. His experience could be a significant asset as the Irish look to solidify their quarterback situation.
Exploring the Transfer Portal
While Carr and Angeli are strong candidates, the Fighting Irish may also consider looking outside their current roster. The transfer portal has proven to be a fruitful avenue for Notre Dame in recent years. With successful acquisitions like Sam Hartman from Wake Forest and Riley Leonard from Duke, the Irish have bolstered their quarterback depth significantly. Hartman completed 63.5% of his passes for 2,689 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while Leonard showcased his dual-threat ability with 2,606 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 866 rushing yards, adding 16 more scores on the ground.
However, the current landscape suggests that Notre Dame may not be actively recruiting a transfer quarterback this cycle. Reports indicate that many top names are already committed elsewhere, and head coach Marcus Freeman has mentioned a lack of focus on bringing in a transfer at this position. This leaves Carr and Angeli as the primary contenders for the starting role.
What Lies Ahead for Notre Dame
As the season draws to a close, the Fighting Irish will begin to solidify their plans for the 2025 season. With Carr in the lead, the coaching staff will be closely monitoring his development and readiness to step up as a starter. The competition with Angeli will certainly keep both players on their toes, pushing them to elevate their game.
What does this mean for the Fighting Irish? It means excitement, anticipation, and a chance to build a strong foundation for the future. Carr’s potential and Angeli’s experience create a dynamic duo that could lead Notre Dame to new heights. But will they be enough? As fans, we can only wait and see how this competition unfolds and how it shapes the team’s trajectory.
The Future is Bright
With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Fighting Irish have plenty to look forward to. The quarterback position is crucial, and the competition between Carr and Angeli is just one of the many exciting storylines to follow. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Irish will be focusing not only on their quarterbacks but also on building a cohesive team that can compete at the highest level.
In the world of college football, every season brings new challenges and opportunities. For Notre Dame, the quest for a starting quarterback is just one piece of the puzzle. With talented players vying for the position and the possibility of new additions through the transfer portal, the future looks promising. Will CJ Carr rise to the occasion, or will Steve Angeli prove to be the seasoned veteran the team needs? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding Notre Dame football is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this quarterback battle unfolds.
