CJ Carr shines in Blue-Gold Game amid Notre Dame’s quarterback battle

As spring football wrapped up in South Bend, all eyes turned to one of the most critical questions facing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish heading into the 2025 season: Who will start at quarterback? The annual Blue-Gold Game offered a glimpse into that future, and freshman CJ Carr made sure his name is now at the forefront of that conversation. With a poised and precise performance, Carr turned heads and added serious weight to his candidacy in a three-way quarterback battle that could define Notre Dame’s trajectory in the upcoming season.

A Legacy in the Making

For fans who have followed college football recruiting, CJ Carr is already a familiar name. The grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, CJ committed to Notre Dame over a host of other powerhouse programs, signaling his intent to carve out his own legacy. Coming out of Saline High School in Michigan, Carr was a consensus four-star recruit, known for his quick release, football IQ, and accuracy.

Despite being just a freshman, Carr has arrived in South Bend with high expectations, and those expectations only grew following his performance in the Blue-Gold Game.

A Calm Command in His Debut

Carr completed 14 of 19 passes for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns in the spring showcase, showing impressive control of the offense and a poise beyond his years. While the Blue-Gold Game doesn’t always translate directly to regular-season success, it serves as a valuable measuring stick for coaches and fans alike. Carr didn’t just meet the moment — he owned it.

He moved through progressions quickly, placed balls into tight windows, and led scoring drives with confidence. Whether it was a perfectly timed throw on a slant route or a deft touch pass into the corner of the end zone, Carr showed off the full range of his talents. He looked like someone who not only understood the playbook, but also understood the moment.

The Context of the Competition

Carr’s breakout game didn’t happen in a vacuum. Notre Dame is in the middle of one of the most closely watched quarterback battles in the country. With the departure of Riley Leonard, the Fighting Irish must decide between three very different, but talented, options.

• Steve Angeli, a redshirt junior, has the edge in terms of experience and has been with the program the longest. He saw action in multiple games last season and even stepped in admirably during the bowl game.
• Kenny Minchey, a redshirt sophomore, is considered the most athletic of the trio. Known for his strong arm and ability to extend plays outside the pocket, Minchey has a skill set that could thrive in modern spread offenses.
• CJ Carr, the freshman, now finds himself right in the thick of the race after an eye-opening spring performance.

While all three quarterbacks had opportunities in the Blue-Gold Game, Carr’s efficiency and overall command of the offense stood out the most.

Coach Freeman’s Perspective

Head coach Marcus Freeman, now entering his third season at the helm, has emphasized throughout the spring that the quarterback competition is wide open. He and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have been deliberate in rotating reps, evaluating film, and pushing each quarterback to lead the offense with consistency.

When asked about Carr’s performance after the game, Freeman said, “CJ played with poise and maturity. He made good decisions, protected the football, and executed in key moments. That’s what you want to see from a young quarterback.”

While Freeman didn’t tip his hand about who might start in Week 1, the tone of his praise was clear — Carr is making a serious case.

The Intangibles

What makes Carr’s performance even more impressive is how he carries himself off the field. Teammates have spoken highly of his work ethic and humility, noting how he’s often one of the first in the facility and one of the last to leave. He’s taken the time to learn from older players, listen to coaches, and absorb every bit of information thrown his way.

Leadership is a critical element in any quarterback competition, and Carr has already shown signs of it. Despite being the youngest of the group, he’s not shy in the huddle and has quickly earned the trust of the offensive unit.

Learning from the Past

Notre Dame is no stranger to quarterback controversies. Over the past decade, the program has rotated through a mix of veteran transfers and homegrown talent, often struggling to find consistency at the position. From Brandon Wimbush and Ian Book to Jack Coan and Sam Hartman, the Irish have relied on a variety of quarterback types but haven’t had a long-term, multi-year starter in recent memory.

Carr’s arrival could represent a return to stability. If he wins the job and delivers on his potential, Notre Dame could have its quarterback of the future already on campus — and ready to play now.

What Comes Next

The Blue-Gold Game is just the beginning. The real test will come in fall camp, when the tempo picks up, the playbook expands, and the competition intensifies. Carr will have to continue stacking good practices, showing he can maintain consistency and absorb complex defensive looks.

While no official timeline has been given for naming a starter, it’s likely the coaching staff will make a decision by mid-August to ensure whoever wins has time to build chemistry with the first-team offense.

Notre Dame opens its 2025 season with a high-profile matchup against Texas A&M, a game that will put any quarterback — especially a true freshman — to the test. It’s possible that Freeman could opt for a rotation early in the year or start a veteran and bring Carr along gradually. However, based on current trajectory, it’s clear the coaching staff is seriously considering handing Carr the keys.

Fan Reaction and Buzz

The Notre Dame faithful are already buzzing. Social media lit up during the Blue-Gold Game with clips of Carr’s throws and comparisons to former Irish greats. Some fans see shades of Brady Quinn or Jimmy Clausen in Carr’s mechanics, while others are simply excited about the idea of a long-term starter developing within the system.

The buzz isn’t just hype — Carr has the credentials, the skills, and now the performance to back it all up.

Potential Impact on the 2025 Season

If Carr ends up starting, Notre Dame’s 2025 season outlook could shift dramatically. While there may be some growing pains early, his presence would open up the offense in new ways. Carr’s precision passing and quick decision-making could pair well with Notre Dame’s talented receiver corps and strong running game.

Moreover, Carr’s ability to lead now would bode well for the next two to three years, allowing Freeman to build a system around a stable quarterback presence — something the Irish have lacked in recent years.

Final Thoughts

The Blue-Gold Game may be a spring exhibition, but for CJ Carr, it was a defining moment. He entered the spring as a talented but untested freshman. He leaves it as a legitimate contender — if not the frontrunner — in Notre Dame’s quarterback race.

While the final decision remains in the hands of Marcus Freeman and his staff, Carr has already shown that the moment isn’t too big for him. In fact, it might be just the beginning of something special. The quarterback battle is far from over, but one thing is clear: CJ Carr has arrived.