Notre Dame still hasn’t named a starting quarterback with three weeks remaining before the Fighting Irish open their season against Miami on Aug. 31.
Head coach Marcus Freeman faces his biggest decision after quarterback Riley Leonard declared for the 2025 NFL Draft following last season.
The competition has narrowed to two players: redshirt freshman CJ Carr and redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey.
“One source told On3 this past week that it is neck-and-neck with no clear separation. Minchey has the most college experience and more experience practicing in Mike Denbrock’s system with Carr sidelined last year, and that could prove to be a difference-maker when Marcus Freeman makes a decision,” said On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos.
Minchey holds a slight edge in experience. The Hendersonville, Tennessee native has spent more time in offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s system.
But that experience advantage is minimal. Minchey has attempted just three passes and rushed twice in his college career.
Carr enters his second season in the program after redshirting as a freshman in 2024. The four-star recruit from Saline, Michigan is the son of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr.
College GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit recently praised the redshirt freshman, saying that he’s “super-high” on Carr’s potential.
Freeman’s decision will come within the next two weeks as Notre Dame prepares for another run at the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Fighting Irish reached the championship game last season before falling to Ohio State.
