Notre Dame’s Quarterback Conundrum: CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey?

As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gear up for the 2025 season, one question looms larger than any other: who will take the reins as the starting quarterback? With the departure of Steve Angeli to the transfer portal, the competition has narrowed to two highly talented but relatively untested players—freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey. Both quarterbacks bring unique strengths, high ceilings, and the promise of a bright future, but only one can lead the Irish onto the field against Miami in the season opener. Let’s break down the battle, their backgrounds, and what this decision means for Notre Dame’s championship aspirations.

The Contenders

CJ Carr: The Prodigy with a Pedigree
CJ Carr, a freshman from Saline, Michigan, is no stranger to the spotlight. As the grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, football runs in his blood. Ranked as the No. 2 pocket passer and No. 36 overall recruit in the 2024 class, Carr arrived at Notre Dame with sky-high expectations. Despite battling an elbow injury that limited his throwing last season, he showed flashes of brilliance in the 2025 Blue-Gold Game, going 14-of-19 for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His performance earned praise for its poise and precision, with observers noting his ability to move the offense more effectively than his competitors.

Carr’s strengths lie in his polished pocket presence and accurate arm. His ability to deliver touch passes, as seen in connections with tight ends Jack Larsen and Kevin Bauman, highlights his potential as a classic drop-back passer. However, his limited game experience—only four snaps in a blowout win over Purdue—raises questions about his readiness for high-stakes matchups like Miami and Texas A&M early in the season. Additionally, his recovery from injury remains a point of caution, though recent reports indicate positive progress.

Kenny Minchey: The Dual-Threat Dynamo
Kenny Minchey, a sophomore from Hendersonville, Tennessee, brings a different flavor to the quarterback room. A former No. 5 dual-threat quarterback recruit in the 2023 class, Minchey combines a rocket arm with dynamic athleticism. In the Blue-Gold Game, he went 6-of-14 for 106 yards, adding a 4-yard rushing touchdown and a celebratory backflip that showcased his flair. While his passing stats were less gaudy than Carr’s, his ability to extend plays with his legs adds a dimension Notre Dame hasn’t consistently had at the position.

Minchey’s limited experience—three career pass attempts and two runs across four games—mirrors Carr’s, but his spring performance surprised many who initially saw the competition as a Carr-Angeli duel. His growth within offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s system has been notable, and his dual-threat capability could be a game-changer against mobile defenses. However, his lower completion rate in the spring game suggests he’s still refining his consistency as a passer.

The Context: A High-Stakes Decision

Notre Dame is coming off a historic 2024 season, reaching the College Football Playoff national title game behind transfer quarterback Riley Leonard. With Leonard now headed to the NFL, head coach Marcus Freeman faces a pivotal decision. Unlike the past two years, when Notre Dame leaned on veteran transfers, Freeman is betting on youth, signaling confidence in Carr and Minchey’s upside. But with a brutal early schedule—road games at Miami and home against Texas A&M—the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Freeman and Denbrock have emphasized that both quarterbacks “have the ability to be the starting quarterback,” but the decision won’t be rushed. The Blue-Gold Game provided a glimpse of their potential, but spring practice reps were split three ways, limiting evaluation. Now, with Angeli’s departure, summer workouts and fall camp will be critical for both players to prove they can handle the pressure of leading a title contender.

Comparing the Two: Strengths and Challenges

• Arm Talent: Carr’s accuracy and touch give him an edge in the passing game, particularly on intermediate and deep routes. Minchey’s arm strength is undeniable, but his completion percentage needs improvement.
• Mobility: Minchey’s dual-threat ability makes him a wildcard, capable of turning broken plays into big gains. Carr, while not immobile, is more of a pocket passer, relying on quick reads and footwork.
• Experience: Both have minimal game time, making this a virtual toss-up. Minchey’s two seasons in the program give him a slight edge in system familiarity, but Carr’s recruiting pedigree suggests a higher floor.
• Intangibles: Carr’s football lineage and calm demeanor point to a high football IQ. Minchey’s energy and athletic swagger could galvanize the offense but may require tempering to avoid risky plays.

What’s at Stake for Notre Dame?

Notre Dame’s 2025 roster is loaded with talent, from a stacked running back room featuring Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to a stout defense led by emerging stars like Bryce Young. The offensive line and running game should ease the burden on the new quarterback, but the early schedule demands a signal-caller who can perform under pressure. A misstep in choosing the starter could derail Notre Dame’s playoff hopes, while the right choice could propel the Irish back to the title game.

The decision also has long-term implications. Both Carr and Minchey are young, with multiple years of eligibility. Naming one as the starter risks pushing the other toward the transfer portal, a common outcome in today’s college football landscape. Freeman’s ability to manage egos and maintain depth will be as crucial as picking the right player.

The Case for Each Quarterback

• Why Carr? If Notre Dame prioritizes a polished passer who can distribute the ball efficiently, Carr is the likely choice. His Blue-Gold performance showed he can handle a simplified game plan, and his recovery from injury suggests he’s ready to take on a bigger role. For a team with a strong running game and reliable tight ends, Carr’s precision could be the perfect fit.
• Why Minchey? If the Irish want to add unpredictability to their offense, Minchey’s dual-threat skills make him intriguing. His ability to escape pressure and create off-script plays could be a weapon against aggressive defenses like Miami’s. His spring surge also indicates he’s closing the gap on Carr’s hype.

Prediction: Who Wins QB1?

While both quarterbacks have the talent to start, CJ Carr appears to have a slight edge based on his spring game performance and recruiting pedigree. His ability to move the offense consistently and connect on key passes suggests he’s closer to being game-ready. However, Minchey’s athleticism and growth make this far from a done deal. Expect the competition to extend into fall camp, with Freeman likely naming Carr the starter unless Minchey makes a significant leap in passing consistency.

Final Thoughts

The CJ Carr-Kenny Minchey battle is a microcosm of Notre Dame’s broader aspirations: blending tradition with a bold, youth-driven future. Whoever emerges as QB1 will inherit a program on the cusp of greatness, with the tools to compete for a national title. For now, Irish fans can take solace in knowing that both quarterbacks bring excitement and potential to the table. As the summer heats up, all eyes will be on South Bend to see who takes the first snap against Miami.