A Spring Showcase Under the Golden Dome: Reviewing the 2025 Notre Dame Blue-Gold Game
On a crisp April afternoon in South Bend, the 94th annual Notre Dame Blue-Gold Game unfolded at Notre Dame Stadium, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the Fighting Irish’s 2025 season. With the echoes of last year’s National Championship near-miss still lingering, the 2025 spring game wasn’t just a scrimmage—it was a stage for emerging talent, renewed hope, and, most notably, a heated quarterback competition that promises to shape the Irish’s future. Under partly cloudy skies and with an electric crowd of over 30,000, the Blue team edged out the Gold team 31-27 in a contest that showcased offensive firepower, defensive grit, and a trio of quarterbacks — Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr — vying to replace the departed Riley Leonard.
The Quarterback Spotlight: Angeli, Minchey, and Carr
The biggest storyline heading into the game was the three-way battle for the starting quarterback role, and none of the contenders disappointed. Each brought a distinct flavor to the field, giving head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock plenty to ponder as they look toward the season opener against Miami.
Steve Angeli, the senior with the most experience, played with the poise of a veteran. Taking the first snaps for the Blue team, Angeli orchestrated a methodical opening drive, completing 8 of 11 passes for 108 yards, including a crisp 22-yard touchdown strike to tight end Eli Raridon. His performance echoed his clutch moments in the 2023 Sun Bowl and last year’s Orange Bowl, where he stepped up when Leonard was sidelined. Angeli’s strength lies in his accuracy and decision-making—he rarely forces throws, and his command of the huddle was evident. However, some fans noted his tendency to favor short, safe passes, leaving questions about his ability to stretch defenses deep. Still, Angeli’s steady hand makes him the frontrunner, at least for now.
Kenny Minchey, the junior known for his dual-threat potential, brought a spark of athleticism to the Gold team. Minchey’s mobility was on full display, as he scrambled for a 13-yard gain on a broken play and later punched in a 7-yard rushing touchdown. Through the air, he completed 6 of 14 passes for 106 yards, showing flashes of a big arm but struggling with consistency—two overthrown passes to open receivers drew groans from the stands. Minchey’s raw talent is undeniable, and his ability to extend plays could align well with Denbrock’s dynamic scheme. Yet, his decision-making under pressure needs refinement if he’s to leapfrog Angeli.
CJ Carr, the sophomore and former four-star recruit, stole the show for many onlookers. Splitting time between both squads, Carr looked like a star in the making, going 14 of 19 for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His first scoring pass—a perfectly placed 28-yard dart to Jaden Greathouse—had the crowd buzzing, and his second, a 15-yard fade to KK Smith, showcased his touch. Carr’s interception came on a risky throw into double coverage, a reminder of his youth, but his ability to read defenses and push the ball downfield set him apart. Fans on social media were quick to anoint him the future, though his limited experience makes a Week 1 start a bold proposition.
Beyond the Quarterbacks: Offensive Fireworks and Defensive Standouts
While the quarterback race dominated headlines, the rest of the roster didn’t disappoint. The Irish offense, bolstered by transfer receivers Will Pauling and Malachi Fields, showed depth and versatility. Pauling, despite limited snaps due to a lingering injury, hauled in a 30-yard catch that hinted at his potential as a WR1. Junior Jaden Greathouse continued his ascent, finishing with 5 receptions for 82 yards and a score, cementing his role as a go-to target. Running back Jadarian Price dazzled with a 45-yard touchdown scamper, finishing with 96 yards on just 8 carries.
Defensively, the Irish flashed the aggression that defined their 2024 playoff run. Sophomore linebacker Kennedy Urlacher led with 7 tackles, including a sack, while transfer safety Jalen Stroman broke up two passes. The defensive line, anchored by Jared Dawson, generated consistent pressure, though the secondary showed occasional lapses on deep balls—a point of emphasis for new defensive coordinator Chris Ash heading into fall camp.
Game Flow and Key Moments
The game itself was a seesaw affair. Blue jumped out to a 10-0 lead behind Angeli’s touchdown pass and a field goal, but Gold answered with Minchey’s rushing score and a 26-yard field goal before halftime, narrowing the gap to 10-10. The third quarter belonged to Carr, whose two touchdown passes gave Gold a brief 24-17 lead. Blue rallied in the fourth, with Price’s long run and a late 35-yard field goal sealing the 31-27 victory.
Penalties and turnovers—three total, including Carr’s pick and a Minchey fumble—kept the game from being a clean showcase, but the intensity was palpable. Fans roared for every big play, and the sideline energy suggested a team hungry to finish what it started last season.
What We Learned
The 2025 Blue-Gold Game didn’t crown a starting quarterback, but it clarified the stakes. Angeli offers reliability, Minchey brings unpredictability, and Carr exudes star potential. Freeman’s refusal to set a timetable for naming a starter suggests the competition will stretch into August, and with a brutal opener at Miami looming, the decision carries massive weight.
Beyond the quarterback room, Notre Dame looks loaded. The offensive line, led by Charles Jagusah and Billy Schrauth, held up well, and the skill positions are as deep as they’ve been in years. Defensively, replacing stars like Xavier Watts and Howard Cross won’t be easy, but the young talent stepping up—Urlacher, Stroman, and Dawson—offers hope.
Looking Ahead
As the Irish wrap up spring practice, the Blue-Gold Game leaves fans optimistic but curious. Who will take the first snap in Miami? Can this team, so close to glory in 2024, climb the final step? One thing’s certain: the journey to those answers starts with Angeli, Minchey, and Carr, each fighting not just for a job, but for a chance to etch their name in Notre Dame lore.
For now, the Golden Dome gleams a little brighter, and Irish faithful are counting down the days to kickoff. Go Irish!
Check out the Blue-Gold Game highlights: