The winds of change are blowing in South Bend, and legacy redshirt freshman CJ Carr is right at the center of it. Spring practice has arrived, and with it, the growing anticipation surrounding Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s passer situation. The battle for QB1 is heating up, and while competition remains wide open, one thing is already clear—Carr is making his presence felt. The 6’3” has not only emerged as a serious contender for the starting job, but he’s also made a symbolic shift, swapping out his old No. 12 jersey for No. 13, a number previously worn by Riley Leonard. It’s a small but significant move, a sign that Carr is stepping into a leadership role, ready to carve out his own identity in an offense that is looking for its next leader.

Now, head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have a decision to make. But while the coaching staff is still weighing their options, some analysts are already convinced about who should take the reins. FOX Sports’ RJ Young has seen enough. On The Number One College Football Show, Young made a bold statement that could shake up the Irish quarterback race: “CJ Carr looking more and more like a guy who is going to be a starting quarterback in the FBS.” And not just anywhere—Young sees Carr as the man to lead Notre Dame’s offense.

He went on to say, “Particularly at, you know, national title runner-up Notre Dame, which is going to replace the 22-year-old Riley Leonard, who was a one-year rental that took them all the way to the national championship. Something Notre Dame had not done since 2012 and had not done in the College Football Playoff era playing for the title.” Those are big shoes to fill, but CJ Carr, the former five-star recruit, has been groomed for this moment. The transition from a veteran like Leonard to a younger, less experienced quarterback could seem like a gamble, but Young sees it as the natural next step. Carr, with his high football IQ, arm talent, and growing command of the offense, is poised to take the next step.

And according to Young, the ceiling for Carr might be even higher than most expect. “And I think Bryce Underwood is still going to be in a better spot than CJ Carr is from a starting standpoint. That said, I think CJ Carr’s got the highest ceiling here because Jaden Greathouse continues to develop, Jordan Faison continues to develop. He’s got Jeremiyah Love back there. The offensive line is going to run the football well.” Notre Dame isn’t just replacing its quarterback—it’s fine-tuning an offense that already has the weapons to be lethal. “Mike Denbrock is going to make the most of what he’s got at quarterback. He can be fun. He can be damn near lethal,” Young continued. That’s where the intrigue lies. This isn’t a rebuild.

This is a team that was playing for a national championship just months ago, and if Carr is as good as advertised, the Irish won’t miss a beat. Young pointed out Carr’s rapid development, particularly with his arm strength. “If you believe the progress that he has made from year one to year two and the rehab with his arm, things flipping out of there, the ball comes out great. Quarterback coach loves him.” In other words, Carr has all the tools to be the guy. Now it’s about proving it.

The question, of course, is whether Freeman and Denbrock see things the same way. Unlike Young, they don’t have the luxury of simply projecting Carr’s ceiling—they have to weigh every snap, every throw, every leadership moment between now and Week 1. And Carr isn’t the only quarterback trying to win the job.

Senior Steve Angeli is still very much in the mix, and he’s not shying away from the battle. Following Notre Dame’s second spring practice, Angeli made it clear where his focus is. “Yeah, I think, for the most part, just being a complete quarterback,” he said. “Being able to handle everything that comes with it—leadership, extending plays, making all throws on the field, just overall growth is what I’m looking for.” That’s the mindset of a competitor who isn’t ready to hand over the keys just yet. Angeli has experience on his side, having been in the system longer and already proving himself a reliable option when called upon. If the coaches want stability and familiarity, Angeli has a real case to make.

But at ND, being QB1 isn’t just about experience—it’s about the upside. Angeli recognizes that leadership isn’t just about holding the title; it’s about development. Again, it’s not just having the leader of the offense badge of honor to flex. It’s more about the growth, just as his coach envisions. That growth will be put to the test throughout the spring and into fall camp as Freeman and Denbrock evaluate every aspect of the competition.

For now, the debate rages on. One analyst has made his choice, the coaching staff remains undecided, and both Carr and Angeli continue to battle for the job.

CJ Carr’s lightning-quick release steals the show at spring practice

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr is wasting no time making an impression this spring. With the team’s quarterback competition heating up, Carr’s mechanics and natural arm talent are already turning heads.

A video surfaced on X, posted by Tyler Horka, that had Irish fans buzzing. The clip showcased Carr’s effortless mechanics, strong arm, and ability to make off-balance throws, prompting Horka to caption it with some well-earned praise: “Love the lightning-quick release of Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, even off-balance. Can’t deny the arm talent of the redshirt freshman.”

That’s exactly the kind of buzz you want if you’re trying to earn a starting role.

Carr, a redshirt freshman, is looking to establish himself in the race to replace Leonard, and so far, he’s making all the right moves. His quick decision-making, consistency, and leadership will be under the microscope as spring practice rolls on.