Marcus Freeman Names Notre Dame’s Starting Quarterback Ahead of Season Opener

CJ Carr is a redshirt freshman and served as a backup between both Riley Leonard and Steve Angeli last season, but with Angeli transferring to Syracuse, it opened a prime opportunity for Carr to control his own destiny and work his way into the starting role, which he's ultimately done.

Back in July, Marcus Freeman spoke about the competition between Carr and Minchey and pointed out what he was envisioning their quarterback being able to do. 

“You want them to really just be the best version of themselves,” Freeman said during a July interview. “Play within the offense and the scheme of what we ask them to do, take care of the football, make good decisions and have answers.

“We want to make sure they’re seeing things, they have answers, they can tell us why. But ultimately, you know what, just go out there and play.”

Notre Dame finished last season with a 14-2 record, setting a high bar of expectations to live up to this fall. However, Carr certainly has the playmakers around him—and a stellar defense to lean on—as he navigates his first season as the starter.

The Fighting Irish will rely heavily on their star running back tandem of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. At wide receiver, Carr will have key returners in Jordan Faison, Malachi Fields, and Jaden Greathouse, along with a promising freshman class to round out the unit.