Sun Aug 31 21:00:00 UTC 2025: **Notre Dame Names Freshman CJ Carr Starting QB for Miami Showdown**
**SOUTH BEND, IN -** In a surprising move, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has named freshman quarterback CJ Carr, grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, as the Fighting Irish’s starting quarterback for their season opener against No. 10 Miami this Sunday. The decision comes after a tightly contested quarterback competition with third-year player Kenny Minchey that Freeman admitted was “statistically as close to any quarterback competition I’ve ever been a part of.”
“I had to trust my gut,” Freeman said Tuesday, explaining that the statistical data didn’t provide a clear-cut reason to choose either player.
Carr, a highly-touted recruit from Saline, Michigan, was ranked as ESPN’s No. 2 pocket passer in the 2024 class. He saw limited action last season, appearing in only one game. His development was hampered by an elbow injury sustained in practice last September.
Freeman praised Carr’s intelligence, work ethic, and confidence, stating, “He’s as intelligent of a football player you’ll be around, works extremely hard in his preparation… You want that in your quarterback.”
While acknowledging the difficulty of Carr’s first start in a hostile road environment, Freeman emphasized the strength of Notre Dame’s run game and defense to support the young quarterback. He urged Carr to focus on smart decision-making and leveraging the strengths of his teammates.
Freeman also spoke highly of Minchey’s progress and maturity in handling the decision. “He’s good enough to be the starting quarterback at Notre Dame,” Freeman stated, adding that Minchey has shown resilience and continues to work hard.
In other team news, defensive end Jordan Botelho, who missed most of last season due to injury, is expected to be available for the Miami game. Botelho will add a veteran presence to the Irish defense.
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