The Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback situation has made it clear that CJ Carr holds the future of the program in his hands. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s decision not to seek a transfer quarterback hints at strong belief in Carr’s recovery and potential.
Despite missing time due to an elbow injury, Carr’s talent has never been in doubt. The young quarterback is now carrying “the franchise on his back,” according to his peers.
CJ Carr: The Quarterback Notre Dame Needs
Carr was one of the most highly regarded quarterback recruits in the nation when he committed to Notre Dame. Thirteen months later, he has yet to throw a pass in a college game due to an injury that sidelined him as a freshman.
However, all signs point to a full recovery, and that’s a major relief for the Irish.
While there will be competition from backup Steve Angeli, Carr’s ceiling is considered much higher. If Notre Dame wants to compete for a national championship, they need a quarterback who can elevate the offense.
“CJ Carr, he’s a put the franchise on your back kind of quarterback,” ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit explained on the “Pat McAfee Show.”
"CJ Carr is a put the franchise on your back type of Quarterback..
He's a very special talent and it will be a great battle between him and Angeli" ~ @KirkHerbstreit#PMSLive https://t.co/keMy73G4vZ pic.twitter.com/5Y0aDFisHQ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 21, 2025
The numbers don’t lie. Every national champion in the past seven seasons featured a quarterback averaging at least 199 yards per game, with many surpassing 250 yards. Riley Leonard, Notre Dame’s previous starter, averaged just 179 yards per game with a modest 7.1 yards per attempt.
That’s not enough to compete with the elite teams. So, if Notre Dame wants to be a serious contender, Carr must be the answer under center.
Notre Dame Need More Than Just a Quarterback
It’s not just about the quarterback. Notre Dame must also improve at wide receiver. Championship teams rely on explosive plays, but the Irish have lacked a true game-changer at the position.
Jaden Greathouse is a promising returner, but he’ll need help. Transfer Malachi Fields from Virginia must step up, and the team will need to develop additional threats.
Past national champions, like LSU with Joe Burrow and Alabama with Mac Jones, relied on dominant passing games. Even Georgia, known for its defense, saw Stetson Bennett exceed 275 yards per game during their second title run.
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Michigan won last year with a balanced approach, but in an expanded playoff format, a top-tier quarterback will be even more critical.
Freeman has built a tough, competitive team, but to take the next step, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish need an elite passer. Carr has the talent to be that guy. If he delivers, ND could finally climb back onto the top of the college football mountain.
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