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CJ Carr Named Notre Dame's Starting Quarterback For Irish's Season Opener

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Football

(BCSNN) — Redshirt freshman CJ Carr has been named the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, head coach Marcus Freeman announced, ending a months-long competition that began in spring camp. Carr will make his first career start on Aug. 31 when the Irish travel to face No. 10 Miami in a primetime showdown at Hard Rock Stadium.

Carr beat out sophomore Kenny Minchey for the job after a tightly contested battle that extended into the final weeks of fall camp. Freeman said the decision came down to Carr’s command of the offense and his ability to elevate teammates. “We wanted to see who could lead this team, not just execute plays,” Freeman said. “CJ showed us he’s ready to take that next step.”

The Michigan native carries a storied football lineage. He is the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, who led the Wolverines to a national title in 1997, and the grandson of College Football Hall of Fame safety Tom Curtis. His father, Jason Carr, played quarterback at Michigan in the early 1990s. Despite deep ties to Ann Arbor, CJ Carr chose Notre Dame over offers from Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama, committing in June 2022.

Carr arrived in South Bend as one of the most heralded quarterback recruits in recent memory, ranked No. 4 nationally at his position in the 2024 ESPN 300. He redshirted last season, appearing briefly in a blowout win over Purdue, and spent the year learning behind Riley Leonard, who led Notre Dame to the national championship game before departing for the NFL.

Notre Dame enters the 2025 season ranked No. 6 in the Coaches Poll and is considered a contender to return to the College Football Playoff. The Irish return a strong supporting cast, including All-America running back Jeremiyah Love and wideouts Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said Carr’s development has accelerated in recent weeks. “He’s seeing the field better, making quicker decisions, and showing the kind of leadership we need,” Denbrock said.

Carr’s debut will come under the national spotlight, with ABC airing the opener against Miami. Freeman acknowledged the challenge of starting a young quarterback on the road against a top-10 opponent but expressed confidence in Carr’s readiness. “It’s a big moment, but CJ’s earned it,” Freeman said. “Now it’s time to go compete.”