CJ Carr named Notre Dame starter over Minchey for 2025 season

CJ Carr has been chosen as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season, ending a competition that had pitted him against Kenny Minchey for the inaugural snaps under center. The decision comes with the Irish set to open the year against a ranked opponent on the road, a high-stakes test that will reveal how well Carr’s precision and poise translate to a demanding schedule that includes a top-10 Miami squad and a subsequent clash with Texas A&M.

Carr arrived in South Bend as one of the program’s most highly regarded prospects in recent memory. A four-star recruit and the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, he arrived on campus with a well-documented pedigree and a reputation for pocket poise, anticipation, and accuracy across all three levels of the field. He joined fall camp with a plan to acclimate quickly, and in practice he showcased the traits that have long drawn attention: decision-making under pressure, refined mechanics, and the ability to extend plays to find targets downfield.

Minchey, a redshirt sophomore, brought a contrasting style. An athletic, dual-threat quarterback with running ability and a strong arm, he offered a dynamic complement to Carr’s...