Injuries limit chances of chemistry. And that’s going to be a big concern for Marcus Freeman heading into 2025. Spring practice is almost here, and for Notre Dame, that means one thing — a QB battle that could make or break their season. The Irish will aim at a National Championship title re-run that ended in a heartbreak loss to Ohio State. But even so, the ghost of last season could resurface. 

With Riley Leonard preparing for his NFL future, ND is left with three young QBs — Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr. All talented but have no collegiate experience, just one start between all three. And as if that wasn’t enough, injuries could make things even worse. 

On the March 13 episode of  Notre Dame Football on Blue & Gold, program insider Jack Soble laid out his biggest concern for Marcus Freeman’s inexperienced QBs. “We’re talking about WR injuries specific are going to impact the quarterback battle,” he said. “I do think they could very well impact the offense and his performance no matter who wins the quarterback battle.” Soble also brought in the Riley Leonard factor early in 2024. “The root of a lot of the struggles that Riley Leonard had earlier in the season, like the chemistry with his wide receivers just wasn’t there,” he pointed out. “Because Leonard didn’t trust his guys. He was late. He wasn’t making the reads he should have because he didn’t have any chemistry with these guys.” And he’s got a point. 

If you followed Notre Dame last season, you remember how Riley Leonard’s start wasn’t exactly smooth. It took him 115 pass attempts before he finally threw his first TD in their fourth game. In the first four games, he completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 587 yards for a combined 131 points. Chemistry takes time. And the way Soble sees it, there’s doubt if any of the three QBs will get enough bonding time with their top four receiving corps.

Malachi Fields is supposed to fully recover by summer after his surgery for a foot injury. Will Pauling will also be limited as he recovers from a fifth metatarsal injury. Jaden Greathouse will have an ‘individualized plan’ from last season’s injury which could limit his playing time. Meanwhile, Jordan Faison will give more focus on lacrosse spring game than football in 2025. “That’s your top four receivers that you’re really not going to throw too much during the spring,” Soble said. “So that’s one of my number one concerns at least early in the season for the offense.” For a young QB, reps with first-team players are everything. If they can’t get enough time together in spring, it could be Leonard’s story retold, if not worse. And even their QB dilemma isn’t sorted out. 

Who’s the next Notre Dame QB1?

Notre Dame insider Tyler Wojciak predicts this QB battle will narrow down to two contenders by the end of spring. “My prediction coming out of spring is that it’s going to be a two-man race,” he said. “I think Steve Angeli is going to be the starter week one. I think it’s too big of a gap for the other guys to make up in just 15 practices.” But nothing’s set in stone. If Minchey or Carr makes a strong push, the QB chart could shift, potentially sending one of them to the transfer portal. 

Wojciak also went as far to cook up a very unlikely scenario wherein both Angeli and Minchey could leave. “If CJ Carr comes out, lights the world on fire and he’s clearly the best option,” he said. “It’s not even debatable. Then Notre Dame might be in a really interesting situation. Because then, Kenny Minchey and Steve Angeli could both leave.” But one thing’s for sure — the Irish can’t afford another slow start. 

For now, with lingering injuries putting chemistry on hold, Notre Dame is facing uncertainties heading into 2025. Marcus Freeman’s biggest challenge will be ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself.