Notre Dame’s on the cusp of something special, but they’re not quite hanging championship banners just yet. They’ve climbed the mountain, but that last stretch is always the toughest. Marcus Freeman has undeniably injected new life into the program in just three years, bringing in some serious talent. But here’s the rub: a team’s success often hinges on its quarterback. And even with a quarterback room stacked like a royal flush, Freeman can’t ignore the elephant in the room—the quarterback succession.

With Riley Leonard’s eligibility up, Freeman needs a solid plan B. A new QB always brings drama, and Freeman’s facing a real Sophie’s Choice. After dipping into the transfer portal for Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard the past two offseasons, it seems they’re ready to roll with the guys they’ve got. The Irish boast a talented QB trio: CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey, and Steve Angeli. With spring games just around the corner, one of them might finally get the nod to start, which sets the stage for a dramatic showdown. This is a real head-scratcher for Freeman. And one Notre Dame insider, however, might have a solution up his sleeve.

Over the Locked on Irish podcast, Tyler Wojciak debates who should start at quarterback: Steve Angeli, CJ Carr, or Kenny Minchey. Now, among the three of them, the former three-star QB Steve Angeli seems to have an advantage over the other two. “Right now, going into spring, I think Steve Angeli will get the first-team reps, Kenny Minchey right behind him, CJ Carr at three, and then Blake Hebert, the freshman early enrollee, rounding things out,” Tyler said. But what makes Steve Angeli the QB1-elect?

Steve Angeli’s longevity with the program definitely gives him a leg up. He’s been around the block a few times, backing up Riley Leonard and soaking up the experience. As Tyler pointed out, “How they disperse first-team reps is what I’m most interested in. Angeli will get the first crack—he’s been around the longest. He got first-team reps during last spring’s practice when Riley Leonard missed most of it with an ankle injury.” Now Angeli’s already proven he can handle the pressure of first-team reps. It’s worth remembering that not every 3-star recruit blossoms into a star like Leonard, but Angeli could be the next diamond in the rough.

His stats are impressive too. 772 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception? That’s a pretty clean sheet. And his completion rate? Over 72%! That’s diabolical for a freshman. It paints a picture of a quarterback who’s not just talented but also efficient and smart with the pigskin. Angeli’s ‘raw tools’ are not strong enough, but he brings the kind of depth that Marcus Freeman desperately needs. And here’s where it gets more interesting.

Now, in terms of the first-team snaps, both Angeli and Minchey had their chance to showcase their gameplay in the spring game. Minchey’s running game is a definite asset, kind of like how Riley Leonard’s rushing ability gave Marcus Freeman some extra options. And Angeli? He’s no slouch either. Remember that time he stepped in for Leonard in the title game after he got injured? That shows he can handle the heat and isn’t afraid of the big stage. It’s not just about being a backup; it’s about being ready to go when your number’s called, and Angeli proved he can do that. That kind of reliability is gold for a coach. Now it’s CJ Carr’s chance to make the most of the spring game.

Top Comment by 00DannyBoy

It wasn’t the title game where Angeli stepped in, it was the semi final Orange Bowl against Penn State.

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Even insider Tyler feels the same: “He didn’t really get that opportunity last spring because there were too many guys ahead of him. But when he got in against the twos and threes, he shined. When he got in going up against his other freshman correspondents, he shined there as well. Now, he’s gonna get a chance to do it against the first-team defense in spring practice. And I think everybody is thrilled to see that. But it’s going to be Steve Angeli’s turn first, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr.”

Tyler doesn’t think the current pecking order is set in stone. “In the quarterback three-part series I expect it to be Steve Angeli and CJ Carr coming out of the spring and unfortunately Kenny Minchey is going to come in third. Someone’s got to come in third,” he said. He even hinted that if that’s how it plays out, Minchey might hit the transfer portal after the spring game. That’s a real possibility.

But the biggest challenge for Freeman and the Irish? They’re coming off their longest season ever, which means a short spring practice window and a quarterback battle to settle. That’s a tough combination. And now, with CJ Carr really stepping up his game, things are getting even more complicated for Freeman.

Can Marcus Freeman unleash CJ Carr?

CJ Carr isn’t just another hyped recruit at Notre Dame. He’s already a star in the making, at least in the eyes of some fans. They’re convinced he’s the guy who’ll take the program to the next level, with some even throwing around first-round NFL Draft predictions before he’s even played a single down of college football.

But his path hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. His freshman year hit a major snag when an elbow injury in September sidelined him for months, keeping him off the field. Even though he avoided surgery, Notre Dame played it safe with his recovery. He didn’t start throwing again until early November. But this setback didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. As quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli explained, Carr stayed involved in practices, even when he couldn’t throw. He wasn’t about to just disappear into the background.

His work ethic was impressive, to say the least. “He was in my office every morning, sometimes before I even got there,” Guidugli revealed, describing how Carr dedicated himself to learning film study, breaking down defenses, and deepening his understanding of the game. “Even though he wasn’t on the scout team [after he got hurt], his preparation was like he was gonna start the game.” That’s the kind of dedication that speaks volumes.

This patience and hard work could soon pay off, with a chance to compete for the starting job in 2025. His first year at Notre Dame might not have included game reps, but it proved he’s ready when opportunity knocks. Now, the big question is: can Marcus Freeman unlock this special talent?