Notre Dame 2025: Expectations and the Quarterback Battle as the Irish Enter New Territory

Notre Dame 2025: Irish Enter New Territory With Quarterback Battle, Expectations

As Notre Dame prepares for the 2025 college football season, the program finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. For the first time in years, the Fighting Irish are heading into a season with major uncertainty at the quarterback position, an area that has been a cornerstone of the program’s success for decades. With the departure of Tyler Buchner, the quarterback who started for much of the 2024 season, and the entry of several talented newcomers, the quarterback battle for the 2025 campaign is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about storylines in college football.

The Irish are entering new territory in more ways than one. The quarterback situation has become a focal point of discussion among fans, analysts, and the coaching staff alike, as Marcus Freeman’s team looks to find stability at the most important position on the field. The team’s aspirations for a College Football Playoff berth, along with their desire to reclaim a top-tier spot in the ACC and national rankings, hinge largely on how this quarterback battle plays out.

In this article, we’ll explore the current landscape at Notre Dame, break down the key quarterbacks vying for the starting role, and look at the broader expectations for the program as they enter 2025 with heightened aspirations and significant pressure to succeed.

A New Era Under Marcus Freeman

When Marcus Freeman was hired as the head coach of Notre Dame in 2022, there was a great deal of optimism surrounding his appointment. Freeman, a former Notre Dame linebacker and a rising star in the coaching ranks, was seen as the perfect leader to guide the program into a new era. His tenure got off to a solid start, with the Irish finishing strong in 2022 and remaining competitive in 2023.

However, while Freeman has shown tremendous leadership skills, his tenure has been marked by a crucial question: who will lead the offense, particularly at quarterback? The quarterback position has been a major focal point for Notre Dame, as it has been an area of inconsistency over the last several seasons. After Ian Book’s departure in 2020, the Irish have struggled to find a long-term solution, cycling through quarterbacks like Jack Coan (2021), Drew Pyne (2022), and Tyler Buchner (2023-2024).

Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, Freeman’s coaching acumen has kept Notre Dame competitive, with the team still managing to win 10 games in 2023 and remain a prominent figure in college football. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, Freeman has emphasized the importance of finding a quarterback who can take the reins of the offense and elevate Notre Dame to new heights. The program’s aspirations for a national championship and playoff contention depend largely on the play at this key position.

Quarterback Battle for 2025: A Key Storyline

Heading into the 2025 season, Notre Dame’s quarterback battle is one of the most highly anticipated storylines in college football. The Irish have a strong tradition of elite quarterbacks, and the pressure is on to find a player who can carry the program back to championship contention. With several intriguing candidates in the mix, the decision on who will start under center is far from clear.

At the heart of this battle is Sam Hartman, the former star quarterback at Wake Forest who transferred to Notre Dame for the 2025 season. Hartman is perhaps the most high-profile addition to the Irish’s roster, bringing a wealth of experience and success in the ACC. Over his career at Wake Forest, Hartman established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, setting numerous school records and leading the Demon Deacons to several big wins. With 39 career touchdowns and a proven ability to put up big numbers, Hartman brings the kind of leadership and poise that Notre Dame needs.

However, despite Hartman’s proven track record, he will face stiff competition from other quarterbacks already on the roster, most notably Dante Moore, a highly-touted freshman out of California. Moore, a five-star recruit, has been the talk of the town since he committed to Notre Dame in the 2024 recruiting class. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and ability to make all the throws, Moore represents the future of the program at quarterback. Many believe that Moore’s upside could be a game-changer for the Irish, and some fans and analysts are already speculating that he could push Hartman for the starting job despite being a freshman.

Alongside Moore is Steve Angeli, a redshirt sophomore who has spent two seasons with the program and is looking to make a significant leap in 2025. Angeli has had limited playing time but has shown flashes of promise, and he’s considered a dark horse in this competition. If he can prove himself in spring practices and fall camp, he could be in the mix for the starting job as well.

While Hartman brings experience and stability, Moore’s upside and Angeli’s potential make this battle incredibly intriguing. Freeman and his staff will have to weigh the immediate need for experienced leadership with Hartman against the long-term potential of Moore and the overall depth of the quarterback position.

The Importance of the Quarterback Position

For Notre Dame, the quarterback position is always the most critical on the field. The Irish have had success over the years with talented quarterbacks like Joe Montana, Rick Mirer, and Brady Quinn, and it’s clear that the program’s fortunes often hinge on the play at quarterback. In recent years, however, Notre Dame has not had the consistency they’ve been accustomed to at this key position.

The 2025 season offers an opportunity for the Irish to find their leader at quarterback, and that individual will need to be someone who can make plays in big moments, read defenses efficiently, and manage games effectively. Notre Dame’s offense has historically been balanced, mixing a powerful ground game with a dynamic passing attack, but in today’s college football landscape, teams need to have a quarterback who can win games with his arm when necessary.

Hartman’s arrival is certainly a boost in this regard. His experience in the ACC and ability to throw the ball downfield will complement Notre Dame’s traditional power-running game. However, the Irish will also need to focus on developing a consistent passing attack that can stretch defenses and open up opportunities for the running backs. A quarterback who can consistently hit his targets on short, medium, and long-range throws will be essential for Notre Dame to achieve its championship aspirations.

For Moore, the focus will be on his ability to transition from high school to the college level. While his physical talent is undeniable, the jump to college football is always a challenge, especially in a high-pressure environment like Notre Dame. If Moore can develop quickly and show poise in his first year, he could be the player to lead the Irish to a new era of success.

Angeli’s development, too, will be worth watching. While he’s not as high-profile as Hartman or Moore, his understanding of the offense and familiarity with the coaching staff could give him an edge in the competition. If he’s able to build on his previous experience and perform well in spring practices and scrimmages, he could certainly make the case for being Notre Dame’s starting quarterback.

The Role of the Supporting Cast

While the quarterback battle will dominate headlines, it’s essential to acknowledge that Notre Dame’s success in 2025 will not rest solely on the shoulders of the starting quarterback. The supporting cast around the quarterback is just as important, and Freeman’s team is loaded with talent across the board. The offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs will all play key roles in ensuring the quarterback has the support they need to succeed.

The offensive line at Notre Dame has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, and 2025 should be no different. The Irish return several experienced linemen, led by standout Zeke Correll and Blake Fisher, both of whom have the ability to create holes in the running game and protect the quarterback in passing situations. A strong offensive line will be critical for the success of the quarterback, whether it’s Hartman, Moore, or Angeli, providing the necessary time to make decisions and execute the offense.

The wide receiver group, while not always a strength for Notre Dame in years past, has taken significant strides under Freeman’s leadership. Tobias Merriweather, Jayden Thomas, and Deion Colzie are all capable of being difference-makers, and their development will be crucial in allowing the quarterback to make plays through the air. Notre Dame’s wide receivers will need to step up and provide the reliable targets and playmaking ability needed to complement the quarterback position.

In the backfield, Audric Estime returns as one of the top running backs in college football. His power running and ability to break tackles will make him a key asset for whichever quarterback takes the field. Establishing the run game early will take some of the pressure off the quarterback, allowing the Irish to control the clock and set up manageable passing situations.

Expectations for Notre Dame in 2025

With the uncertainty at quarterback, Notre Dame’s 2025 season will be defined by how quickly the new starter can adapt to the pressure and lead the team. The Irish have always had high expectations, and this season is no different. Freeman has built a strong roster, and with a few key pieces in place, the Irish are primed to compete for a College Football Playoff spot and potentially a national championship.

The 2025 season is not just about finding a quarterback—it’s about building a complete, balanced team that can compete at the highest level. Notre Dame has the talent, coaching, and fan support to do just that, but how they navigate the quarterback battle will go a long way toward determining whether the team can fulfill those lofty expectations.

With the right player under center, Notre Dame has the potential to return to the top of college football. Whether that player is Hartman, Moore, or Angeli remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Notre Dame football is on the rise, and the 2025 season will be one to watch closely as the Irish aim to make a national championship run.