A Notre Dame reporter has put CJ Carr on notice, as Marcus Freeman faces a growing quarterback dilemma for the team.

The quarterback position is perhaps the most pivotal position in any football program, and for Notre Dame, the upcoming season presents one of the most critical decisions for head coach Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff. With CJ Carr, a promising four-star recruit, returning from an injury and a host of other talented quarterbacks vying for the starting job, the stakes could not be higher.

The latest chapter in this quarterback battle came when a Notre Dame reporter issued an eye-opening comment, putting CJ Carr “on notice” amid the uncertainty surrounding the team’s QB situation. This comment has sent ripples through both the fanbase and the program, heightening the sense of urgency around who will step up and take command of the offense in the coming season. As the competition heats up, it becomes clear that Freeman’s decision will have far-reaching implications for Notre Dame’s future.

The Uncertainty of the Quarterback Position

For Notre Dame, the quarterback position has been a source of uncertainty for the last several years. Following the departure of former starting quarterback Riley Leonard, who opted to enter the NFL draft, the void left in the signal-caller role is significant. Leonard’s leadership, poise, and experience were cornerstones of the Irish offense during his time, and his absence means that the team must rely on new faces to step up.

Carr’s emergence has been a bright spot in this conversation. Known for his impressive arm strength, decision-making ability, and football IQ, Carr was a highly touted recruit when he signed with the Fighting Irish. Hailing from Saline High School in Michigan, Carr’s high school career was marked by his ability to make accurate, deep throws and command the pocket with a sense of calm that belies his age. These attributes led many to believe that he could one day become the next great Notre Dame quarterback.

However, Carr’s freshman season was marred by an elbow injury that sidelined him for much of the year. As Carr worked hard on his recovery during the offseason, the battle for the starting quarterback role began to take shape. With Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey also in the mix, Freeman and his coaching staff found themselves facing an unusually deep quarterback competition.

The question remains: who will emerge as the leader of the offense in the 2025 season?

The Growing Dilemma for Marcus Freeman

Head coach Marcus Freeman is no stranger to high-stakes decisions. As a young coach, Freeman has already guided Notre Dame through a challenging period in which he inherited a program with high expectations, and while his first few years have seen some notable successes, the 2025 season will be pivotal for him.

Freeman has faced criticism at times, especially regarding offensive consistency and his management of the quarterback position. While his defense has been strong, including standout performances from players like Isaiah Foskey and Jayson Ademilola, questions have lingered about the offense’s ability to perform consistently, particularly under center.

When Freeman arrived at Notre Dame, the program was already known for its defensive prowess, and Freeman, who has a defensive background, made sure to solidify that side of the ball further. However, his offensive strategy, and more specifically, his approach to choosing a quarterback, will determine how far the Irish can go in the upcoming seasons.

Freeman’s dilemma is compounded by the talent and upside of each of the three contenders: Carr, Angeli, and Minchey. Each player brings something different to the table, and Freeman must weigh their potential against their developmental needs. While Carr has shown flashes of brilliance, his health and the lack of significant in-game experience complicate matters. Angeli and Minchey, on the other hand, have shown promise in their limited playing time, but neither has been able to fully seize the starting role.

With spring practices quickly approaching, Freeman’s decision will not only define the future of the offense but will also shape the team’s overall identity. Whether he leans toward a more experienced option like Angeli, or gives Carr a shot to prove himself as the future of the program, Freeman’s decision will have a massive impact on Notre Dame’s trajectory in the 2025 season.

CJ Carr’s Recovery and Progression

After his freshman season was cut short due to an elbow injury, CJ Carr worked tirelessly to regain his full health. In December, Carr addressed the media with a positive message about his recovery, stating that he was “90-95% healthy” and expected to be fully ready for spring practices. This was an important moment in Carr’s development, as it gave him the chance to re-establish himself as a contender for the starting job.

Carr’s recovery has been a source of optimism for the Irish. His commitment to getting back to full strength has been a testament to his dedication to the program. His injury was a setback, but it wasn’t necessarily a fatal blow to his future prospects at Notre Dame. The key question now is whether he can overcome the rust that comes with missing so much time and regain the momentum he had prior to the injury.

Carr’s performance in spring practices will be critical. He will need to demonstrate not only that his arm strength is intact but also that he can handle the mental demands of being a starting quarterback. Freeman has spoken highly of Carr’s intelligence and decision-making, and now it will be up to Carr to show that he is ready to lead the offense on the field.

Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey: The Competition

While Carr has the potential to be the future of Notre Dame’s quarterback room, he is not without competition. Steve Angeli, a rising sophomore, saw action in limited moments during the previous season. Angeli’s performance, particularly in critical games, has given him a strong case for consideration. He demonstrated poise and ability when called upon, and his experience could make him a safer bet for Freeman as the team heads into the season.

Angeli’s proven experience in high-pressure situations has earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike. While Carr is seen as the higher-ceiling prospect, Angeli’s steadiness and experience could be crucial to a team looking to maintain consistency in the post-Leonard era. However, Angeli will have to fend off the challenge posed by Kenny Minchey, another highly regarded quarterback recruit who has impressed with his arm strength and leadership qualities.

Minchey’s development over the next few months will be crucial. While he may not have the same level of experience as Angeli, he brings a fresh perspective and could ultimately become a dark-horse candidate to start if he can develop quickly.

Freeman will need to carefully evaluate all three quarterbacks during spring practices, not just for their on-field skills but also their leadership, work ethic, and ability to command the huddle. The quarterback position is more than just throwing touchdowns—it’s about managing the offense, keeping the team calm under pressure, and being able to execute under the spotlight.

A Reporter’s Perspective: Putting CJ Carr on Notice

Amid this uncertainty, a Notre Dame reporter recently put CJ Carr on notice. The reporter’s remarks have drawn significant attention, especially given the high expectations surrounding Carr’s arrival at the program. Some analysts argue that Carr may not be as close to securing the starting job as many initially believed. While his talent is undeniable, the injury and lack of experience leave questions about his ability to immediately step into the role of starting quarterback.

Carr has the tools to be successful at Notre Dame, but as a reporter pointed out, it is important for Carr to prove that he can adapt to the speed and complexity of college football. The expectation is high, but so is the pressure. Carr’s ceiling may be higher than any other quarterback on the roster, but it remains to be seen if he can reach that potential in time for the 2025 season.

The Long-Term Implications for Notre Dame

The decision regarding the starting quarterback will be felt beyond just the 2025 season. Marcus Freeman’s ability to develop a quarterback who can take Notre Dame to the next level will shape the future of the program for years to come. The choice of QB will influence Notre Dame’s offensive system, recruiting efforts, and national perception. If Freeman can find a stable and capable quarterback, it will only increase Notre Dame’s chances of competing for a national title.

The upcoming quarterback decision is critical to the future of Notre Dame football. With a growing quarterback dilemma and Carr’s return to full health, Freeman will need to carefully weigh all factors before making a final call. The quarterback competition is far from over, and with a talented group of quarterbacks vying for the job, the next few months will be pivotal for Freeman and the Fighting Irish.