Notre Dame’s CJ Carr receives aggressive NFL Draft take amid Arch Manning hype

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Notre Dame’s CJ Carr receives aggressive NFL Draft take amid Arch Manning hype

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 5, 2026 1:31 PM ET

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr may have been one of the most underrated players in the country this past season, putting together a spectacular campaign during his debut as a starter in South Bend.

Carr threw for 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 66.6 percent of his passes, and he punched in three rushing scores, as well. In fact, Carr is currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy next season.

The 6-foot-3 signal-caller becomes draft eligible after 2026, and there is certainly a chance that he ends up declaring. That’s especially after watching fellow quarterbacks like Carson Beck, Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar destroy their NFL Draft stock by staying in school too long.

We know that Texas Longhorns star Arch Manning is largely viewed as the top contender for the No. 1 overall pick in 2027, but is it possible that Carr could ultimately surpass him?

ESPN’s Rece Davis thinks it’s possible, throwing Carr’s name into the mix on the College Gameday Podcast.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr could stun Arch Manning

Quarterback CJ Carr (13) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Friday, March 20, 2026, in South Bend.

Carr definitely does not have the Manning name behind him, but many would argue that he played better than Manning in 2025, and he could leverage another great season into getting selected with the top pick next spring.

“Wait, just clarify one thing for me before we get here,” Davis said. “CJ Carr is in his third year. He’ll be draft eligible.”

Dan Wetzel then followed up by saying how much he likes Carr and that the Notre Dame star actually could be in the running to come off the board No. 1 next April.

“I love the way he moves in the pocket and reads defenses,” Wetzel said. “I think he’s got enough athleticism and a terrific combination of accuracy.”

Carr does not have the size that Manning possesses, and he also probably isn’t quite as athletic overall, but the intangibles appear to be there, and there is no question that he throws a fantastic ball.

We will have to see how the Saline, Mi. native does without running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, both of whom took a significant amount of pressure off of Carr in 2025, but Carr should be talented enough to have a big year on his own next fall.

The 2027 draft class is slated to be loaded with quarterback talent, and Carr could end up at the top of the list.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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