Notre Dame has named CJ Carr is starting quarterback.
The Fighting Irish made it official on Aug. 19 and the redshirt freshman will make his first career start against Miami in Week 1.
It was a long battle for the starting spot between Carr and Kenny Minchey, which had continued into the first few weeks of fall camp. The two players were buried in the depth chart last season, but the departure of last season’s starter Riley Leonard and backup Steve Angeli transferring to Syracuse left the job open between Carr and Minchey.
Both players had been splitting first team reps in practices as head coach Marcus Freeman hadn’t publicly stated which player was leading the race. The two players play contrasting styles with Carr more of a pocket passer and Minchey a dual-threat option. Now, Carr will start the season as QB1.
The grandson of hall of fame Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, the Saline, Michigan native was the No. 45 overall recruit and sixth-ranked quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. When he announced his commitment to Notre Dame, Carr was believed to the starter-in-waiting and a likely multi-year quarterback for the Fighting Irish.
Carr made one appearance in 2024, coming in the blowout victory against Purdue in Week 3. The Fighting Irish went 14-2 last season, appearing in the national championship game for the first time this century. It was also the first College Football Playoff appearance since 2020.
Carr will take over the starting job as Notre Dame is again a College Football Playoff favorite. It starts the season No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll as it returns one of the best backfields in the country in Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The first game of the season at No. 10 Miami is on Aug. 31.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Notre Dame names CJ Carr starting quarterback for 2025 opener vs Miami
