Prominent NFL talking head confirms what Notre Dame fans already know about an Irish breakout star who could break an ugly trend 

Many expected Notre Dame redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr to have some tremendous moments during the 2025 college football season. Even the biggest Carr stans didn’t quite expect the talented signal caller to be this good, at least this early in the season. The Michigan native is playing at a level Irish fans haven’t seen much of around South Bend. 

After an elite performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks last weekend, Carr is putting together some outstanding production. In four games so far, Carr has thrown for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also completed over 68 percent of his passes, added another score on the ground, and thrown just two interceptions. 

Over the last two weeks against the Razorbacks and the Purdue Boilermakers, Carr has begun to really capture the attention of the national media. That includes ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, who is an appreciator of good quarterback play due to his background. The 6-3, 210-pound signal caller has clearly grabbed Orlovsky’s attention and impressed him. 

During media availability in preparation for their game against the Fighting Irish, Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson voiced some high praise for Carr. That included Danielson’s prediction for Carr to break a rough stretch for the Notre Dame program. 

“CJ is going to be a future first-round draft pick,” Danielson said. “I don't think I'm the first one who will say that.”

In a tweet that showed Danielson’s commentary, Orlovsky chose to double down on the opinion. He agrees that Care has the look of a future first-round NFL Draft selection.