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MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The next step for Notre Dame QB CJ Carr is clear before he can threaten elite status and become one of the top quarterbacks in CFB

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 10:56 PM ET

Redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr has been a revelation so far for the Notre Dame program as a first-year starter. Most members of the Fighting Irish fanbase expected Carr to be very good, but he has been even better than anticipated, and a lot sooner than most expected. He has significantly raised the ceiling and floor for this program in a very small amount of time.

Through four games as the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish, Carr has thrown for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns. Carr is also completing north of 68 percent of his passes, just two interceptions, 10.5 yards per attempt, and another score on the ground. The 6-3, 210-pound pocket passer has been everything that head coach Marcus Freeman could have hoped for so far.

Notre Dame has been a heavy running offense in the not so distant past, and the passing attack has been nothing more than a supposed complimentary element of the unit. While this Irish identity will always be built on establishing the run game, it’s nice to know that this iteration under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has options.

The most impressive part of watching Carr so far is the vindication and anticipation he’s throwing with right now. He clearly trusts what his eyes see, and it has been refreshing to see a quarterback who is throwing with such infectious confidence. That is especially true outside of the numbers to players like Malachi Fields, giving his wide receivers a chance in 1-on-1 matchups.

Next evolution for Notre Dame QB CJ Carr: Being able to more consistently attack the middle of the field.

It just isn’t something that he’s been asked to do just yet. pic.twitter.com/LBFs5R4R4T
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) October 3, 2025

Evolution of CJ Carr

Carr has been surgical outside of the numbers so far. He has completed 42 of 66 passes for 691 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. Between the numbers, Carr has had far fewer attempts thus far. In comparison, he has completed 29 of 42 passes for 400 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Those numbers are even a little more skewed considering that the hashes are wider in college football, therefore the “middle of the field” is vast.

Even with that needed context, Carr has completed as many passes outside of the numbers as he has attempted to the middle of the field. Clearly, he is more comfortable throwing outside, or that’s how the offense is designed. While it isn’t necessarily a death sentence or a major negative, becoming a more balanced thrower is the next step in his development.

From a defensive perspective, understanding how an offense is trying to attack you is key. The more balanced that they are, and the more areas of the field an offense can attack, makes them that much more dangerous. That’s the next step for Carr, being balanced and having the ability to threaten every area of the field.

He has had some nice moments throwing to the middle of the field, but the sample size is just smaller. If you’re a defense, they are going to start to play Carr towards his ability to make plays outside of the numbers.

From there, the Michigan native will have to have an answer. It will be interesting to see if Coach Denbrock prioritizes working the middle of the field over the next couple of games to really put opposing defenses in conflict. It would be extremely advantageous if he could. If Carr has proven anything so far, doubting him isn't overly wise, and he most likely will take that next step.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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