The quarterback competition at Notre Dame has quickly become one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason. CJ Carr, the redshirt freshman who was once considered a near five-star recruit, entered camp as the clear favorite to lead the Fighting Irish offense in 2025-26. However, what seemed like a sure thing has turned into a genuine battle that could determine Notre Dame’s ceiling this season.
Why Is CJ Carr’s Path to Starting More Difficult Than Expected?
Coming into fall camp, many assumed Carr would comfortably win the quarterback job. Known for his arm strength and accuracy, Carr was expected to elevate Notre Dame’s passing game and provide a new dimension to the offense. Early impressions from the Blue-Gold Game and offseason hype positioned Carr as the “golden child” with a skill set primed to take the Irish offense to the next level.
But as practice has progressed, the competition has tightened considerably. Insiders now describe the battle as evenly matched, with sophomore Kenny Minchey making a strong case for the starting spot. Minchey brings a dynamic rushing ability that fits well with Notre Dame’s traditional ground-and-pound style, adding complexity to head coach Marcus Freeman’s decision.
According to analysis from former college football star Greg McElroy, Carr’s biggest obstacle has been consistency. While his natural talent and throwing ability remain undeniable, Carr has struggled with poor decision-making and costly interceptions during practice sessions. These mistakes have raised serious questions about whether he fully understands how to manage the offense in a way that aligns with Notre Dame’s proven winning formula.
What Does Notre Dame Need from Its Starting Quarterback?
Notre Dame’s recent success under Freeman has heavily relied on a strong defense and a quarterback who excels in game management. Last season’s starter, Riley Leonard, wasn’t the most naturally gifted passer, but he knew how to execute the offense efficiently.
Leonard consistently moved the chains, made smart plays on third down, and effectively managed the clock while contributing 15 rushing touchdowns to the team’s balanced attack.
NEW: Notre Dame QBs CJ Carr & Kenny Minchey are neck-and-neck with no clear separation, @PeteNakos_ reports👀
Intel: https://t.co/JeAxqH3nvy pic.twitter.com/8qfX78SGXS
— On3 (@On3sports) August 11, 2025
This is the template Carr needs to follow. McElroy pointed out that turnovers can be devastating in close games, especially against tough opponents like Miami in Notre Dame’s season opener. For Carr, the challenge extends beyond physical skills to encompass decision-making and situational awareness that fits into Notre Dame’s system.
Meanwhile, Minchey’s dual-threat capability could prove valuable against Miami’s aggressive pass rush. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs adds a dimension that might better suit Notre Dame’s offensive identity, especially early in the season when offensive chemistry is still developing.
How Will This Competition Shape Notre Dame’s 2025-26 Campaign?
Despite the uncertainty, the quarterback competition should be viewed as a positive development. Competition pushes both Carr and Minchey to elevate their performance while ensuring the team has quality depth if injury or poor play forces a change during the season.
For Carr specifically, the next few weeks represent a crucial period in his Notre Dame career. The pressure is mounting, and every practice repetition carries added weight. He must demonstrate measurable growth in consistency and decision-making to secure the starting job and justify the high expectations that accompanied his recruiting pedigree.
The competition also provides Freeman with valuable information about both players’ readiness for high-pressure situations. Having two capable quarterbacks could become an asset as Notre Dame navigates a challenging 2025-26 schedule that will test every aspect of the roster.
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Fans should expect a tight race with no guaranteed starter until late in the preseason. While Carr’s talent remains evident, his ability to overcome the challenges of interceptions, poor decisions, and inconsistency will ultimately determine whether he can lead Notre Dame’s offensive success in 2025-26.
With a fierce battle brewing between two talented quarterbacks, the Fighting Irish are positioned to have their most competitive quarterback situation in years.