NCAA Football: Notre Dame Spring Game Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (12) is pressured by defensive lineman Sean Sevillano Jr. (59) in the second half of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

Notre Dame makes controversial decision with CJ Carr

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 2:29 PM ET

Notre Dame has named a starting quarterback before their season opener against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 31.

The Irish had a tight quarterback battle between redshirt freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey this summer. The program appeared to be trending toward naming Minchey as the starter last week, as he adds an extra element as a runner for offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.

Per Nick Schultz of On3, the Irish are naming Carr as the starting quarterback.

After a quarterback competition that went into training camp, Notre Dame has its quarterback. CJ Carr will be the Fighting Irish’s starting QB this year,” Schultz wrote.

“Carr battled against Kenny Minchey during spring ball, and Marcus Freeman said the competition would continue into camp. Ultimately, the redshirt freshman won out and will get the nod under center when Notre Dame takes on Miami in Week 1.”

Notre Dame makes a controversial decision on CJ Carr

The Irish are making a controversial decision to go with the less athletic quarterback before facing two top 25 teams with great defensive lines to begin the season in Miami and Texas A&M. Carr will have to deal with pressure early to keep the team’s hopes alive for a second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Carr struggled early in training camp, but the Irish believe in his skills as a passer to help the team stay competitive in the CFP race. The Irish have a strong running game with Jeremiyah Love, and they need a threat to push the ball downfield in the passing game.

Still, Denbrock has been successful in recent history with quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels (who won the Heisman Trophy in 2023) and Riley Leonard, who were running threats. Minchey is the best option out of the backfield.

Syndication: South Bend Tribune Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold spring football game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in South Bend.© MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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