Who Will the Starting Quarterback be for Notre Dame in 2025?

Who will be the Starting Quarterback in 2025?

While there are four quarterbacks on the roster, only two are vying for the starting spot. All signs point to a battle between sophomore (junior academically) Kenny Minchey and redshirt freshman CJ Carr. Minchey has seen action in four games over the last two seasons, attempting just three passes (and completing all three). He has one rushing touchdown from 2024 with just 16 total passing yards over two seasons. Minchey is listed at six feet two inches and 204 pounds. He was a four-star recruit out of Hendersonville, TN, and was a 2023 All-American Bowl Selection. His recruiting profile outlined how he was able to extend plays, both inside and outside the pocket.

This is something that Notre Dame likes in a quarterback. Leonard showed last season that he was able to extend a play that was completely broken and move the ball downfield. Minchey may not have thrown a touchdown pass yet, but he does have a score with his legs. Additionally, he has been in the system for two full seasons, something that can’t be ignored.

Redshirt freshman Carr is currently the leading favorite to be named the starter in 2025. The six-foot-three-inch, 210-pound quarterback from Saline, Michigan, only saw action in one game last season, against Purdue. An injury then kept him out for the rest of the Fall. He didn’t have a recorded stat in that lone appearance, but he is seen by many as the presumed favorite to lead this Notre Dame offense in the Fall. Why? Well, in the Blue-Gold Game, he looked the best. Okay, but that is a glorified practice. Sure, but Carr led his offense downfield in a commanding fashion. Further, he finished the day with 170 yards through the air, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Honorable Mentions

There are two other quarterbacks on the roster. True freshman Blake Hebert from Boxford, MA, is one. Redshirt freshman Anthony Rezac from Omaha, Nebraska, is the other. Neither is expected to be the starter for the 2025 season. However, Hebert could see minutes if needed. Carr has a history of injury, so if something were to happen to him and Minchey, look out for Hebert to enter the fold rather quickly. This isn’t something that Notre Dame would likely want to do, as these coaches are hoping Hebert will have plenty of time to develop behind Carr, but college football has a way of twisting and turning in many different directions.

Rezac is not likely to see any snaps this season, as he didn’t a season ago. He was a three-star recruit out of high school and was the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year in 2024. He is a solid quarterback who led his team to a 13-0 season and a state championship in his senior year, but there are too many quality players ahead of him at Notre Dame.

Freeman has stated on multiple occasions that there is more than one quarterback in this room who can command this offense this Fall. The coaches are just waiting for one to separate themselves from the others. Will that be Minchey, with his limited, gametime experience, or Carr, who dazzled in the Spring game? There is limited time to find out as Notre Dame opens the season at Miami on August 31st. So, who will be the starting quarterback for Notre Dame come August?