Projecting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish starting offense following two weeks of fall camp in preparation for opener against Miami 

The Notre Dame 2025 season is right on the horizon, scheduled to kick things off on August 31 against the Miami Hurricanes. The offense under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and head coach Marcus Freeman is an extremely talented unit on paper, but some questions do still exist. With less than two weeks remaining until gameday, it feels like a great time to predict the starting lineups heading into that huge matchup.

Here is my projected offensive depth chart when that game begins. There aren't a ton of controversial takes here, but it begins with the biggest question mark, the quarterback position. Regardless, there is a lot to be excited about for this unit.

Quarterback 

Here is the debate that everyone continues to have, and would like answers to very soon. As of today, I expect Kenny Minchey to be named the starter at quarterback. That obviously would make CJ Carr the top backup, and Tyler Buchner becomes the third option behind center for some emergency situations. I expect a decision at quarterback to be named soon.

1. Kenny Minchey (RS So.)
2. CJ Carr (RS Fr.) 
3. Tyler Buchner (RS Sr.) 
4. Blake Hebert (Fr.) 

Running back 

Breaking news: Jeremiyah Love is an absolute superstar, and is going to lead the running back room. We also know that Jadarian Price is going to be an integral part of the room as well, as well as Aneyas Williams behind them as a third down option. The major question is who will be the fourth option in the backfield, and how much of a volume they will receive. Here is how I see that running back room shaking out right now.

1. Jeremiyah Love (Jr.)
2. Jadarian Price (RS Jr.)
3. Aneyas Williams (So.)
4. Gi’Bran Payne (RS Jr.)
5. Nolan James Jr. (Fr.) 

Pass catchers 

The Fighting Irish staff is very high on the Notre Dame pass catchers heading into the 2025 season, and this could be the deepest unit they have had in several years. We know that the combination of Jaden Greathouse, Malachi Fields, Jordan Faison, and Will Pauling is going to play a lot. Even if Pauling is listed as a backup behind Faison or Greathouse, there is a good chance that we are going to see him at both alignments. You can also bet that Micah Gilbert is going to be an important player in the boundary behind Fields.

X - Malachi Fields (RS Sr.) 

X - Micah Gilbert (RS So.) 

Z - Jordan Faison (Jr.) 

Z - KK Smith (RS So.) 

Slot - Jaden Greathouse (Jr.)

Slot - Will Pauling (RS Sr.) 

TE - Eli Raridon (Sr.) 

TE - Ty Washington (RS Jr.) 

TE - Jack Larsen (RS Fr.) 

Offensive line 

There isn't a ton of surprises up front for Notre Dame right now. We know that Anthonie Knapp will be at left tackle, Billy Schrauth will be at left guard, Ashton Craig will be at center, and Aamil Wagner will be at right tackle. The battle on the offensive line is at right guard, where Sullivan Absher and Guerby Lambert are competing for the starting nod to replace the injured Charles Jagusah. It would be somewhat of an upset, but I do predict Lambert to earn the first reps against Miami.

LT - Anthonie Knapp (So.) 

LT - Styles Prescod (RS Fr.) 

LG - Billy Schrauth (RS Jr.) 

LG - Will Black (Fr.) 

C - Ashton Craig (RS Jr.) 

C - Joe Otting (RS So.) 

RG - Guerby Lambert (RS Fr.)

RG - Sullivan Absher (RS So.) 

RT - Aamil Wagner (RS Jr.) 

RT - Guerby Lambert (RS Fr.)