Notre Dame QB Battle: Freeman Won’t Rush Decision
Notre Dame’s quest to find its next starting quarterback has become a competitive three-way battle between Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr. However, head coach Marcus Freeman is making it clear that he won’t rush the decision.
Freeman emphasized that the starting role will go to the quarterback who proves himself to be the best, and he refuses to set a specific timetable for the decision. “We’ll name a starter when a starter clearly shows that he’s the best quarterback,” Freeman stated. “I don’t want to put a timetable on it, and I refuse to do that.”
Freeman’s approach reflects lessons learned from past experiences, such as last year’s loss of Tyler Buchner to the transfer portal after Notre Dame’s spring game. With a five-and-a-half-month window until the season opener against Miami and a spring transfer portal window opening in mid-April, Freeman believes there’s no need for an artificial deadline.
The competition remains open as Angeli enters his fourth year, Minchey his third, and Carr his second. Each has strengths, but none have yet separated themselves. Freeman noted that all three will receive reps with the first team and that he won’t make a decision until one player emerges as the clear choice.
Though spring practices might not feature a complete starting lineup, Freeman stresses transparency and feedback after each practice to ensure clarity and fair competition. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli bring experience from past quarterback battles at LSU and Cincinnati, where decisions were made before the season.
Freeman sees similarities in the trio’s abilities, noting they all possess strong arms, mobility, and the potential to make plays both in the air and on the ground. The decision ultimately rests on who can best lead the offense. Freeman is committed to a fair competition and will announce a starter when one clearly rises above the rest.