2025 Notre Dame Football Spring Practice – Rising Stars and a QB Showdown
As the crisp March air settles over South Bend, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicked off their 2025 spring practice on March 19, marking the beginning of a new chapter following their thrilling run to the National Championship game in January. With a roster brimming with talent and a quarterback competition that promises to shape the season, this spring session offers a tantalizing glimpse into what lies ahead for the Irish in 2025. After a grueling 14-2 campaign last fall, Notre Dame is reloading—not rebuilding—and the early practices have already spotlighted players who could define the team’s fortunes. Let’s dive into the standout performers and the brewing battle under center.
Players Who Stood Out
Spring practice is a proving ground, and several players wasted no time making their presence felt. Sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love, already a household name after a breakout 2024, showcased his electrifying speed and improved patience in drills. Despite battling an MCL injury during the playoffs last season, Love looked fully recovered, weaving through defenders with a burst that hints at a potential Heisman-caliber year. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield added another layer to an already dynamic skill set, suggesting Notre Dame’s offense will lean heavily on his versatility.
On the defensive side, Jason Onye emerged as a force to watch along the defensive line. The senior defensive tackle, who briefly stepped away from the program last fall, returned with a vengeance. His quick first step and relentless energy disrupted drills, signaling he’s ready to fill the massive shoes left by departing stars Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills. Onye’s performance could stabilize an interior line that needs new anchors in 2025.
Another name generating buzz is sophomore wide receiver Jaden Greathouse. Limited contact due to his heavy workload last season didn’t stop him from flashing his crisp route-running and reliable hands. Greathouse’s chemistry with the quarterbacks in 7-on-7 work stood out, hinting at a larger role as Notre Dame reshapes its receiving corps. Meanwhile, freshman linebacker Madden Faraimo turned heads with his instincts and physicality. The early enrollee’s ability to read plays and deliver jarring hits suggests he could crack the rotation sooner rather than later.
The Quarterback Situation: A Three-Way Tug-of-War
If there’s one storyline dominating spring practice, it’s the quarterback competition. With Riley Leonard off to the NFL, Notre Dame is turning to its in-house talent for the first time since 2022, setting the stage for a fierce battle between Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr. Each brings a unique flavor to the table, and the opening practice offered a snapshot of their potential.
Steve Angeli, a redshirt junior, carries the edge in experience. With 21 game appearances, including a start in the 2023 Sun Bowl and a clutch relief effort in the Orange Bowl semifinal, Angeli exudes poise. His arm strength and decision-making shone in early drills, particularly on intermediate throws. He’s the safe bet—a steady hand who knows the system—but his ceiling remains a question mark.
Kenny Minchey, a redshirt sophomore, is the wildcard. Known for his athleticism, Minchey dazzled with his mobility, scrambling effectively and extending plays during team sessions. His arm talent is raw but tantalizing, and if he can refine his accuracy, he could unlock a dual-threat dimension the Irish haven’t had since Leonard’s departure. Minchey’s upside is sky-high, but consistency will be his proving ground this spring.
Then there’s CJ Carr, the redshirt freshman and former four-star recruit. Fully recovered from an elbow injury that sidelined him last fall, Carr looked confident and composed. His footwork was sharp, and his deep ball had zip—evident in a perfectly placed pass to Greathouse that drew murmurs from the sidelines. Carr’s pedigree and growth suggest he’s the future, but his limited game experience means he’ll need a standout spring to leapfrog the veterans.
Freshman Blake Hebert rounds out the room, though he’s not yet in the mix for QB1. His participation in drills showed promise, but he’s likely a year away from contention. For now, the spotlight remains on Angeli, Minchey, and Carr, with no clear favorite emerging after day one. Head coach Marcus Freeman has hinted this battle could stretch into fall camp, and with a compressed spring schedule leading to the April 12 Blue-Gold Game, every rep counts.
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame’s 2025 spring practice is about more than just finding a quarterback—it’s about building on a foundation that nearly delivered a national title. The Irish return a stout offensive line, led by Aamil Wagner and Charles Jagusah, and a defense poised to reload with players like Onye and Faraimo stepping up. Yet, the QB decision will ripple through every facet of the team. Can Angeli lock down the job with his reliability? Will Minchey’s flair steal the show? Or does Carr’s potential catapult him to the top?
As spring unfolds, these questions will sharpen into answers. For now, Notre Dame fans can savor the promise of a roster blending proven stars like Love and Greathouse with hungry newcomers like Faraimo—and a quarterback race that’s as unpredictable as it is exciting. The road to August 31’s opener at Miami starts here, and the Irish are already off to a roaring start.
Check out the 2025 practice highlights:
Here is the Marcus Freeman spring practice press conference: