Rece Davis Reveals Who He Thinks Will Win QB Battle At Notre Dame

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 3:42 PM ET

Notre Dame’s quarterback battle is one of the more compelling storylines entering the 2025 college football season. With Steve Angeli transferring after spring practice, the competition is down to two names: Kenny Minchey and five-star freshman CJ Carr.

ESPN’s Rece Davis believes Carr is the favorite to win the job, though he emphasized it’s just speculation based on public perception.

“I think most believe it will be Carr, ultimately,” Davis said. “That’s not Pete Thamel news breaking it... I’m just saying the outside perception for those of us who watch think it will probably be Carr.”

Carr, the son of former Michigan QB Jason Carr and grandson of ex-Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr, made headlines after a strong showing in the spring game. But ESPN insider Pete Thamel added some nuance to the situation, revealing that those inside the program have been impressed with Minchey throughout the offseason.

“Everyone saw Carr crush the spring game, and I think that’s where sentiment and perception came from,” Thamel said. “But Minchey is an impressive guy, and he hits better with what Mike Denbrock has done.”

Minchey, a redshirt freshman, brings more mobility to the table, something Denbrock has used to his advantage in past offenses with Jayden Daniels at LSU and Riley Leonard at Duke.

Carr, meanwhile, is a polished passer who fits the mold of a traditional pro-style quarterback. Denbrock previously coached at Notre Dame twice (2002 to 2004 and 2010 to 2016).

Notre Dame's new offensive coordinator may influence the final decision, but the schedule adds pressure. Freeman and the Fighting Irish open the season at Miami, in what could prove to be their toughest opponent during the regular season.

Davis says nothing’s off the table: “I asked Marcus that. His response... was ‘I will do whatever it takes to help this team win football games.’” Whether that means a two-quarterback system or not, Notre Dame needs a clear leader at the helm if it wants to stay in the playoff hunt.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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