Notre Dame redshirt freshman CJ Carr made his college debut in the Fighting Irish’s 27-24 loss to No. 10 Miami on Sunday night. The quarterback threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score in his first collegiate start.
Carr entered the season as Notre Dame’s starter after Riley Leonard led the Irish to the national championship game last season.
The 6-foot-3 quarterback completed 19 of 30 passes and carried the ball 11 times for 16 yards. He threw one interception but showed poise against Miami’s defense, particularly in the fourth quarter.
CJ Carr’s Performance vs Miami
Final score: Miami 27, Notre Dame 24
- Comp/Att: 19/30
- Passing yards: 209
- Passing touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Carries: 11
- Rushing yards: 16
- Rushing touchdowns: 1
Carr’s best moment came in the second quarter when he escaped Miami’s pass rush and found Micah Gilbert for both players’ first career touchdowns.
Carr makes it happen
1⃣3⃣1⃣4⃣
ABC #GoIrish | @13Cjcarr pic.twitter.com/Nj8pQv1yZ0
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 1, 2025
The redshirt freshman got stronger as the game progressed. He connected with Jordan Faison for his second touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
1⃣3⃣6⃣
ABC #GoIrish | @13Cjcarr | @Jordan6Faison pic.twitter.com/diiqBlaZmc
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 1, 2025
Carr’s lone mistake came on a screen pass that deflected twice before landing in Ruben Bain Jr.’s hands. Miami converted the turnover into a field goal.
Straight out of a video game
The Hurricanes come up with the INT! pic.twitter.com/exia1fBxgh
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 1, 2025
Fourth Quarter Rally
The freshman quarterback bounced back immediately. He found Eli Raridon for 65 yards to set up Notre Dame’s next score.
6⃣5⃣ YARDS TO ELI RARIDON #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/FvPswLjVKu
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 1, 2025
Carr then scored the tying touchdown on a rushing play with less than four minutes remaining.
CJ CARR.
TIE GAME#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/OVz4i35EeG
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 1, 2025
Notre Dame’s final drive stalled when Carr took an intentional grounding penalty followed by a sack on consecutive plays.
The performance gives Marcus Freeman’s team reason for optimism heading into the 2025 season. Carr showed he can handle pressure situations and move the offense against quality competition.
