Marcus Freeman weighs QB options for Notre Dame after Riley Leonard departure.

As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gear up for the 2025 college football season, head coach Marcus Freeman faces a critical crossroads—choosing the quarterback who will lead one of college football’s most storied programs in the wake of Riley Leonard’s departure. Leonard’s exit leaves a significant void under center, and Freeman must carefully evaluate his options to find the best fit to carry the Fighting Irish offense forward.

The End of the Riley Leonard Era

Riley Leonard’s time at Notre Dame was transformative. After transferring from Duke, Leonard brought his dual-threat skill set and dynamic leadership to South Bend, guiding the Irish to a national championship appearance. Leonard’s mobility and ability to extend plays made him an exciting weapon in the offense, and his presence was a key factor in Notre Dame’s resurgence.

However, Leonard’s tenure was not without challenges. While his running ability often electrified fans, his passing game sometimes left room for improvement. Critics noted inconsistency in his accuracy and decision-making under pressure. In response, Coach Freeman was candid about the need for the team to improve offensively, including hints that changes might be on the horizon if the offense stagnated.

Leonard has since exhausted his eligibility, meaning Notre Dame enters 2025 without its proven starting quarterback. This departure thrusts Freeman into the difficult but crucial task of selecting a new leader for the offense.

The Quarterback Candidates

Freeman has expressed confidence in the quarterbacks already on the roster and has ruled out bringing in another transfer quarterback through the portal. That means the next Notre Dame signal-caller will emerge from within—a bold vote of confidence in the current roster’s depth and talent.

Here’s a detailed look at the leading contenders:

Steve Angeli: The Experienced Backup

Junior Steve Angeli is the most experienced QB on the roster. He has shown flashes of promise in limited action, most notably stepping in during the Orange Bowl against Penn State and leading a key drive resulting in a crucial field goal. His performance in the previous season’s Sun Bowl, where he threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns, provided a glimpse of his potential when called upon.

Angeli is known for his steady demeanor and poise in the pocket. His passing mechanics and ability to read defenses have earned the trust of the coaching staff. However, he has yet to prove himself as a consistent starter over an entire season. For Angeli, the 2025 campaign represents a pivotal opportunity to take the reins and show he can carry the offense on his shoulders.

CJ Carr: The High-Potential Freshman

CJ Carr arrived at Notre Dame with considerable fanfare, not least because of his football lineage—he’s the grandson of legendary former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr. Though he redshirted his first year, Carr is widely regarded as a prospect with significant upside.

Known for his strong arm and athleticism, Carr is seen as a quarterback with the raw tools to become a top-tier collegiate passer. His development throughout spring and summer practices will be critical in determining whether he is ready to take on the starting role or if another year of seasoning is necessary.

Carr’s presence adds an intriguing dynamic to the competition. His pedigree and skill set give the coaching staff options in terms of offensive style, potentially shifting toward a more aggressive passing game.

Kenny Minchey: The Dual-Threat Playmaker

Kenny Minchey offers the Fighting Irish a different flavor of quarterbacking. As a dual-threat underclassman, Minchey has the mobility to extend plays with his legs and create opportunities outside the pocket.

While Minchey is still relatively unproven at the collegiate level, his speed and elusiveness could add a dimension to Notre Dame’s offense that keeps defenses off balance. His challenge will be adapting to the speed and complexity of the college game, especially in reading defenses and making quick decisions.

If Freeman is looking to preserve the dynamic rushing element that Leonard brought, Minchey could be the natural successor. However, his inexperience also carries inherent risks, especially at a program with high expectations like Notre Dame.

Blake Hebert: The Underdog Freshman

Blake Hebert’s recruitment story adds an element of intrigue. Originally committed to Clemson, Hebert flipped to Notre Dame mid-recruiting cycle. His physical attributes—standing 6’3″ and weighing 225 pounds—fit the prototypical quarterback mold.

Hebert’s underdog status may be beneficial, allowing him to develop without the immediate pressure to perform. His fresh perspective and hunger could inject energy into the QB room, and his strong arm and size make him a compelling candidate for future seasons.

At this point, Hebert remains an unknown quantity. His ability to learn the system quickly and compete during fall camp will determine how seriously he factors into the 2025 quarterback race.

Freeman’s Approach: Developing Talent from Within

Marcus Freeman has been clear that Notre Dame will not be looking externally for a quarterback this offseason. Rejecting the transfer portal as an option for this position signals a commitment to building and developing the talent already in the program.

This approach aligns with Freeman’s philosophy of fostering a competitive, growth-oriented environment. By promoting internal competition, Freeman hopes to bring out the best in his quarterbacks and establish a leadership culture where players earn their roles on merit.

Freeman’s confidence in his roster also reflects a belief in the work done by his coaching staff and the progress these quarterbacks have made in practice. The upcoming preseason camp will be critical, as each QB will have the chance to demonstrate their grasp of the offense, command of the huddle, and ability to perform under pressure.

The Impact on Notre Dame’s Offense

The quarterback decision will influence more than just who snaps the ball—it will shape the entire offensive identity of the Fighting Irish.

• If Angeli wins the job, expect a more balanced approach focusing on steady passing and minimizing turnovers.
• If Carr takes the helm, the offense might adopt a more vertical passing attack, leveraging his arm strength.
• Minchey’s ascendancy could keep the dual-threat dimension alive, with an increased emphasis on quarterback runs and designed mobility.
• Hebert’s emergence could bring an unpredictable element but might require more time before being ready to lead consistently.

Each option offers advantages and potential pitfalls, making the decision a defining moment for Freeman’s program.

Challenges Ahead

Notre Dame’s quarterback situation is both an opportunity and a challenge. The pressure to win and maintain the program’s elite status is immense, and the quarterback is arguably the most scrutinized position on the team.

Freeman must weigh not only talent but also intangibles like leadership, resilience, and football IQ. The right QB will need to command the respect of teammates, make smart decisions under duress, and be the face of the Fighting Irish offense.

Additionally, the offensive line’s performance, the quality of the receiving corps, and the overall scheme will all influence the quarterback’s success. Freeman’s staff will have to tailor the playbook to the strengths of whoever emerges as the starter.

What Fans Can Expect

Irish fans are known for their passion and high expectations. The quarterback competition will be closely followed through training camp and preseason scrimmages.

Freeman’s transparency about his intentions and belief in internal talent is a positive sign for the program’s stability. This is not just a competition to find a temporary fill-in but a deliberate process to identify a long-term leader.

Fans should expect a competitive camp, spirited battles on the practice field, and perhaps some surprises as Freeman evaluates who gives Notre Dame the best chance to compete for championships.

The post-Riley Leonard era at Notre Dame marks a turning point. With Leonard’s departure, the Fighting Irish face uncertainty but also opportunity. Marcus Freeman’s commitment to developing quarterbacks from within signals faith in his program and players.

Whether it’s the experienced Steve Angeli, promising CJ Carr, dynamic Kenny Minchey, or the fresh-faced Blake Hebert, one quarterback will emerge to carry the mantle. Their success—or struggles—will have a profound impact on Notre Dame’s 2025 season and beyond.

Freeman’s quarterback decision will not be easy, but it will be one of the most important choices of his coaching tenure. For Fighting Irish fans, the journey to find the next great Notre Dame quarterback begins now.