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Latest Intel gives a 'slight edge' to one Notre Dame signal caller as the quarterback battle heads down the final stretch

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 2:13 PM ET

It has become a somewhat exhausting conversation, but the Notre Dame quarterback battle is incredibly important for head coach Marcus Freeman and the program's hopes of making a National Championship run in 2025. There have been some conflicting reports in this battle to be QB1 between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey recently. Some hold on to the Carr recruiting background and have convinced themselves that this isn't actually a battle, while others are open to the fact that this is a heated race.

Over the next week, there is a good chance that Fighting Irish fans will begin to gain some clarity about the quarterback situation. On3 college sports business and transfer portal reporter Pete Nakos recently reported that this race was 50/50 and could go either direction. Nakos has an update to that report on Thursday, and it gave the slight edge to Kenny Minchey. One part of his game was what Nakos believes could propel Minchey to win the job.

Here is what he had to say in that report about Notre Dame, which also included other quarterback battles raging between Tennessee, Colorado, Ohio State, UNC, and Purdue.

Notre Dame

+ The Fighting Irish’s quarterback battle continues to carry on. Sources have told On3 that CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey have been splitting first-team reps, swapping between first-team and second-team daily.

+ Notre Dame is scheduled for at least one more scrimmage. Sunday and Monday have been circled as possible days when Marcus Freeman could name a starting quarterback.

+ To this point, there has not been much separation between Carr and Minchey. Sources have given Minchey the slight edge entering the final two scrimmages. His mobility could prove to be an advantage when Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock make a final decision.

+ Carr still has time to beat out Minchey for the starting job and earn the nod against Miami.

Nakos' report clearly states that Carr still has a strong chance to earn the starting spot against Miami, but it does also verify that Minchey has a stronger case than many believe. It is the ability that Minchey brings with his legs that could be a differentiator. Some fans will choose to roll their eyes at that, but offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has clearly valued the dual threat upside at the position in the past.

Whether Notre Dame opts for Minchey or Carr for their season opener against Miami, the Irish offense is in good shape. Things will function nearly the same, but there just may be a unique emphasis depending on whichever quarterback is behind center. Both players are very talented passers with upside to work with.

Minchey has been deemed the underdog in this battle, but he has consistently been stacking good performances this offseason. He made a great jump following the spring, and that continued into the winter. He has made this a real battle, and Minchey appears poised to close this one out down the stretch if he is able to keep Carr distanced.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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