Marcus Freeman’s statements make it nearly impossible to predict Notre Dame football’s next starting quarterback

As the 2025 season draws nearer, one of the most discussed topics surrounding Notre Dame football is the impending battle for the starting quarterback position. With the Notre Dame Fighting Irish coming off a solid season and head coach Marcus Freeman in his third year at the helm, the quarterback race has become one of the most unpredictable storylines in college football. Freeman’s recent statements about the quarterback position have done little to clear up the situation, leaving fans, analysts, and even players themselves in the dark about who will be under center when the season kicks off.

The Current QB Room: A Blend of Experience and Potential

Before diving into Freeman’s comments, it’s important to understand the talent currently in Notre Dame’s quarterback room. As of now, the main contenders for the starting job are Sam Hartman, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, and Tyler Buchner, a former highly-touted recruit who showed flashes of promise in limited action for Notre Dame. Both quarterbacks have their strengths, and each brings a different style of play to the table.

Sam Hartman: The Experienced Transfer

Sam Hartman enters the Notre Dame program as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, having spent several years starting at Wake Forest. During his time in Winston-Salem, Hartman put up impressive numbers, including over 70 touchdown passes and more than 12,000 career passing yards. His ability to make plays in both the short and deep passing game, combined with his veteran leadership, has made him an attractive option for a program like Notre Dame, which has been searching for a steady and proven presence at quarterback.

However, Hartman’s arrival has raised a question that has followed him throughout his college career: can he perform at the highest level against top-tier competition? While his statistics at Wake Forest are impressive, Hartman has yet to prove himself in the crucible of the College Football Playoff and against elite defenses. The Notre Dame staff is no doubt hoping Hartman’s leadership and experience will help elevate the program, but Freeman has been cautious not to give Hartman the starting job just yet.

Tyler Buchner: The Dual-Threat Potential

On the other side of the quarterback battle is Tyler Buchner, a player with immense upside and a high ceiling, but whose development has been stunted by injuries and inconsistency. Buchner came to Notre Dame with a great deal of hype, hailed as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2021 recruiting class. He’s known for his athleticism and dual-threat ability, as well as his ability to make plays with his legs as much as with his arm. Buchner’s mobility could give Notre Dame a dynamic offense that can stretch the field and keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Despite flashes of brilliance, Buchner’s career has been marred by injuries, including a season-ending shoulder injury last year that kept him sidelined for much of the season. His lack of experience and missed development time are significant factors that may hinder his ability to secure the starting role immediately. Nevertheless, Buchner’s talent and potential are undeniable, and it’s clear that Freeman and his staff are eager to see what he can do when fully healthy.

The Unknown Factor: Drew Pyne and Steve Angeli

In addition to Hartman and Buchner, the quarterback room also includes Drew Pyne, who served as the starter for part of the previous season, and Steve Angeli, a talented young quarterback from the 2023 recruiting class. While neither of these players has been discussed as a serious contender for the starting job in 2025, they add an extra layer of complexity to the situation. Pyne’s experience last season could give him an edge if injuries or other circumstances arise, while Angeli could emerge as a surprise contender as he gains more experience within the system.

Freeman’s Comments: An Open-Ended Approach

Throughout the offseason, Marcus Freeman has been remarkably tight-lipped and non-committal when discussing the quarterback competition. His frequent references to “keeping things open” and “letting the players earn their spot” have made it nearly impossible to predict who will take the first snap of the season. Freeman’s rhetoric has been consistent in emphasizing that the starting quarterback job is not something that will be handed to any player, regardless of experience or pedigree.

A Focus on Competition, Not Entitlement

Freeman’s emphasis on competition is one of the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy, and he has made it clear that he expects the quarterbacks to earn their starting roles through consistent performance and leadership, rather than by default or based on past reputations. This open competition approach has created a level of uncertainty, as it leaves the door open for any of the quarterbacks to seize the job through strong performances in practice, scrimmages, and the spring game.

In one interview, Freeman stated, “We have a great group of quarterbacks. I think the competition is going to be healthy and productive. They’re all talented in their own ways, and they all bring something different to the table. Ultimately, the guy who earns it on the field will be the one who gets the job. We won’t make a decision based on what anyone else thinks—we’ll make it based on what we see day in and day out.”

Public Comments Add to the Mystery

While Freeman’s comments about competition are understandable, they also contribute to the growing sense of uncertainty. By refusing to even hint at who is leading the race, Freeman has created an atmosphere of unpredictability. When asked about Hartman, Freeman has been quick to praise his experience but has also been careful not to give the impression that Hartman has already won the job. He has stressed that Hartman’s leadership and skill set will play a significant role in Notre Dame’s offense but has been cautious about fully committing to him as the starter until the competition plays out.

Similarly, Freeman’s remarks about Tyler Buchner have been encouraging yet guarded. He has spoken highly of Buchner’s potential and athleticism but has not gone so far as to name him the starter. Freeman has also discussed the importance of Buchner’s health, as his injury history is a significant factor in his ability to stay on the field and develop as a quarterback.

The Press Conference Dynamics

The unpredictability of the situation has been further emphasized in Freeman’s press conferences, where he often reiterates that the starting quarterback role is not something that can be predicted until it’s earned. At times, Freeman’s language around the quarterback competition has come across as deliberate obfuscation, with the goal of keeping the media, fans, and players themselves on their toes. This has only fueled speculation and heightened the sense of mystery surrounding the quarterback battle.

In one instance, Freeman was asked directly if he was closer to making a decision, to which he replied, “We’re not in a rush to make a decision. The most important thing is that whoever wins the job, they’re ready to lead this team. I trust the process, and I believe in the guys we have. We’ll get there, but we’re focused on giving every guy an equal shot.”

Why Freeman’s Approach Makes Sense

While Freeman’s approach has certainly made it difficult to predict who the starting quarterback will be, it is not without reason. There are several compelling reasons for this strategy:

Maximizing Performance Under Pressure

By keeping the competition open, Freeman is essentially creating an environment where every quarterback knows they must bring their best every day. The players understand that nothing is guaranteed, and this can lead to heightened focus and performance. The competition ensures that each player remains sharp, motivated, and determined to prove they are the best option for the team.

No Preconceived Notions or Bias

Freeman’s refusal to name a starter early on also allows him to avoid falling into the trap of favoritism or bias. By giving all the quarterbacks a fair shot, Freeman ensures that the decision is made based on merit rather than reputation or previous success. This is an important aspect of building a winning culture and ensuring that players are held accountable for their actions on and off the field.

A Need for Flexibility

Given the potential injury history of both Hartman and Buchner, Freeman’s flexibility in waiting to make a decision on the starter makes sense. With the nature of the quarterback position, having depth is critical. By keeping the quarterback competition open, Freeman ensures that the team is prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, such as injuries or changes in performance.

What to Expect Moving Forward

As the offseason progresses, it’s likely that the quarterback battle will remain one of the most talked-about topics for Notre Dame football. Marcus Freeman will likely continue to take a cautious approach, allowing the competition to play out through spring practices, fall camp, and the early part of the season. Expect more comments emphasizing competition and leadership, as Freeman wants to ensure that the quarterback who wins the job is the one most capable of leading Notre Dame to success.

In the end, the unpredictability surrounding the quarterback position is a reflection of Notre Dame’s evolving program under Marcus Freeman’s leadership. Regardless of who is named the starting quarterback, Freeman’s handling of the situation ensures that the best player for the job will ultimately lead the Fighting Irish into the 2025 season.

As fans, analysts, and players wait for clarity, one thing is for sure: the quarterback position will be one of the most fiercely contested battles in Notre Dame football history. Only time will tell who will emerge as the leader of the Fighting Irish offense—but for now, it’s a mystery that adds to the intrigue of what promises to be an exciting season ahead.