Marcus Freeman Receives Clear Verdict on Notre Dame Locker Room as HC’s Massive Move for CJ Carr Revealed.

When Marcus Freeman was named head coach of Notre Dame in 2021, one of his primary goals was to establish a strong, unified locker room culture built on leadership, trust, and shared accountability. Fast-forward to 2025, and Freeman is learning that maintaining that internal cohesion is more difficult when the stakes are higher and the spotlight shines brighter. The recent developments surrounding five-star quarterback CJ Carr and the team’s evolving leadership dynamics have provided Freeman with the clearest verdict yet on the state of the Irish locker room.

At the center of it all is a bold, calculated move by Freeman: empowering Carr as the program’s offensive leader months before his first collegiate snap. It’s a decision that has stirred emotions throughout the team—but one that Freeman believes is necessary if Notre Dame is going to take the next step as a national contender.

CJ Carr’s Ascension: A Calculated Gamble

Carr’s arrival in South Bend came with high expectations. The grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr and a five-star prospect out of Saline, Michigan, Carr was billed as the most polished quarterback recruit to sign with the Irish in over a decade. From the moment he enrolled early, it was clear Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock envisioned Carr as the future.

But instead of easing him in gradually, Freeman made a decisive—and controversial—move: he publicly anointed Carr as the team’s offensive centerpiece heading into the 2025 season.

“We’re building this offense around CJ,” Freeman said during spring practice. “He’s the guy. His command, his preparation, his poise—it’s all there. We believe in him.”

That statement didn’t just light a fire under Carr. It sent shockwaves through the locker room.

Locker Room Response: The Clear Verdict

Would veteran players rally behind an unproven freshman quarterback? Would the offensive line, receivers, and running backs buy into a plan centered around an 18-year-old? These were the questions swirling after Freeman’s public backing of Carr.

Now, as the dust settles from spring ball and the team prepares for summer workouts, Freeman has received his answer—and it’s overwhelmingly positive.

According to multiple sources within the program, Carr has earned the respect of his teammates not just with his arm talent, but with his work ethic, humility, and maturity. Wide receivers have lauded his communication and attention to detail. Offensive linemen appreciate his accountability and command at the line. Even veteran defenders have taken notice of his competitive edge in practice.

“There’s just something about him,” said senior safety Xavier Watts. “He walks in like he’s been here for years. But he’s not cocky—he just works.”

Carr has reportedly been one of the first players in the facility and one of the last to leave. He’s also taken the initiative to organize off-campus workouts with teammates, developing chemistry with wideouts like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison.

For Freeman, this level of buy-in confirms that the culture he’s cultivated over the past three seasons is maturing. In past years, a freshman being handed the reins might have fractured the locker room. Now, it’s galvanized it.

“We’ve got a group of guys who care more about winning than ego,” Freeman said. “That’s the kind of culture we’ve worked hard to build.”

The “Massive Move”: Personnel Around Carr

While endorsing Carr as the leader of the offense was a statement, Freeman’s true “massive move” came behind the scenes—retooling the offensive personnel to support his young quarterback.

Notre Dame’s offense in 2024 was inconsistent, largely due to a lack of explosive playmakers and a conservative passing attack. Freeman and Denbrock have made it clear they want that to change. Their strategy? Surround Carr with elite, dynamic talent through the transfer portal and aggressive recruiting.

The most significant acquisition to date: wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter, the former California standout who tallied 4,522 receiving yards in the Pac-12. Hunter committed to Notre Dame in late April, choosing the Irish over Florida State and Penn State.

His arrival gives Carr a true WR1—someone who can stretch the field, win one-on-one matchups, and provide a reliable target on critical downs.

“Jeremiah changes everything,” Denbrock said. “He gives CJ a guy he can trust. And he opens up the rest of the offense.”

Freeman also landed FIU transfer running back Kejon Owens, a versatile backfield threat who can catch out of the backfield and pass protect. Combined with tight end Mitchell Evans returning from injury and a reshuffled offensive line anchored by Joe Alt’s younger brother, freshman left tackle Tommy Alt, Carr now has the tools to succeed.

These roster moves send a message: Freeman isn’t just giving Carr the job—he’s building the team around him.

Veteran Leaders Provide the Glue

Carr’s emergence hasn’t created division thanks in large part to the leadership of key veterans like offensive lineman Blake Fisher, tight end Mitchell Evans, and wide receiver Jayden Thomas. Each of them has embraced the transition and offered mentorship rather than resistance.

“CJ’s a pro already,” Fisher said. “He’s respectful, asks questions, takes coaching. Guys feed off that.”

This leadership has been critical in easing the potential friction that can arise when a freshman assumes a high-profile role. Freeman has emphasized leadership council meetings and team-building exercises throughout the offseason to ensure unity.

“We’ve made it a point that no one is bigger than the team,” Freeman said. “CJ knows that. Our leaders know that. It’s why we’re on the same page.”

Freeman’s Culture Now Being Tested—and Proven

Notre Dame’s locker room culture has always been a source of pride for Freeman. But it’s easy to have unity when the path is clear. The true test comes during transitions—especially when a freshman quarterback becomes the face of the program.

So far, Freeman’s culture has passed that test.

He’s managed to strike a balance between trusting young talent and empowering veteran leadership. He’s communicated expectations clearly, built trust across the roster, and created an environment where everyone has a role.

“We’ve got one goal,” said linebacker Drayk Bowen. “Win. Doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

That sentiment is being echoed across the team, and it’s the clearest signal Freeman could ask for that his locker room is aligned.

What This Means for Notre Dame’s 2025 Outlook

The implications of Freeman’s decision—and the team’s response—are massive.

If Carr delivers on his promise, Notre Dame could enter the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff with real momentum. With a top-10 defense returning, improved weapons on offense, and buy-in from the locker room, the Irish have all the pieces to make a run.

Carr doesn’t need to be a Heisman contender in Year 1. But he needs to be efficient, composed, and capable of leading fourth-quarter drives. With the faith of the coaching staff and support from his teammates, he’s set up to do exactly that.

Freeman’s “massive move” may have been risky—but it was calculated. And if the first few months of this transition are any indication, it’s already paying off.

Final Thoughts

Marcus Freeman walked into a tough situation when he took over at Notre Dame: a national brand with sky-high expectations, but one that hadn’t reached the top of the mountain in decades. He knew he had to modernize the roster, elevate the recruiting, and most importantly—create a culture that could withstand adversity.

By handing the keys to CJ Carr, Freeman took a bold step. But he didn’t do it in a vacuum. He built trust, communicated clearly, and surrounded his young quarterback with a team that believes in the mission.

The verdict from the locker room is in: this team is united behind its coach and its quarterback. Now, the rest of college football will have to take notice.