The Notre Dame Fighting Irish passing game has been a work in progress, but Jaden Greathouse’s late-season explosion has fans excited for 2025. After struggling to find consistent production early in his career, Greathouse showed his WR1 potential with dominant playoff performances.
With CJ Carr set to take over at quarterback, this duo could be the offensive spark that Notre Dame needs.
CJ Carr to Jaden Greathouse: The QB-WR Combo That Notre Dame Needs
Greathouse entered the 2023 season with high expectations but failed to produce a 100-yard game in his first two seasons. That changed when it mattered most.
In Notre Dame’s final two games—the Orange Bowl and National Championship—Greathouse delivered back-to-back 100-yard performances, racking up 233 yards and three touchdowns.
The Next Great ND Wide Receiver
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His ability to make contested catches, finishing the season with an 84.6% success rate, proved invaluable. Marcus Freeman emphasized that production isn’t always a reflection of performance, but in Greathouse’s case, his late-season surge validated his talent.
Greathouse’s chemistry with outgoing quarterback Riley Leonard developed too late, but it demonstrated what he could accomplish with a QB who trusts him. With Leonard moving on, the question now turns to Carr.
Carr arrives as one of Notre Dame’s most highly touted quarterbacks in recent years. The redshirt freshman has yet to throw a pass in college due to an elbow injury, but head coach Marcus Freeman has put full confidence in him by not pursuing a transfer QB.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit described Carr as a “put-the-franchise-on-your-back” quarterback, which is exactly what the Irish need. If healthy, Carr provides a higher ceiling than previous quarterbacks. Notre Dame’s passing attack has lacked the explosive playmaking seen in recent national champions, and Carr’s arm talent could be the missing piece.
The challenge will be building a quick rapport with Greathouse, similar to what Leonard developed late in the season.
Notre Dame’s receiving corps remains a work in progress, but Greathouse is a proven asset. With Jordan Faison returning and transfer Malachi Fields joining the mix, the Irish have potential. The key factor will be whether Carr can step in and elevate the passing game to championship-caliber levels.
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For Notre Dame to compete with elite programs like Ohio State and Alabama, they need a dynamic QB-WR connection. Greathouse has proven he can be a go-to target, and if Carr lives up to his billing, this duo could be Notre Dame’s answer to closing the championship gap.
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