For just the second time in five years, Notre Dame is expected to start a quarterback developed within its own program for the 2025 season.It’s still unclear whether redshirt freshman CJ Carr or third-year backup Kenny Minchey will get the nod for the season opener against Miami, but one thing is certain: whoever starts will be making his first career start.
Steve Angeli‘s decision to transfer to Syracuse shortly after the Blue-Gold Game in mid-April sealed that reality. Angeli had wrapped up 2023 by guiding the Irish to a Sun Bowl win over Oregon State, and later helped open scoring in the Orange Bowl semifinal against Penn State during the College Football Playoff.
Between Carr and Minchey, there are only three total career pass attempts — all by Minchey — meaning the competition will be intense from the moment fall camp begins on July 31.
“You’re evaluated by how you make decisions,” said QB coach and pass-game coordinator Gino Guidugli. “You need to see anticipation, poise when plays break down, and strong situational awareness under pressure.”
Freshman Blake Hebert, who joined practices late during Notre Dame’s playoff run, is technically the third scholarship QB on the roster. But the depth chart gets blurrier with the return of Tyler Buchner, the 2022 season-opening starter, now a walk-on senior suiting up for both football and lacrosse. Buchner switched his football jersey from No. 26 to No. 10 over the summer. Listed as a wide receiver for now, he attempted just one pass in 2024 — a fake punt at USC.
Also in the mix is redshirt freshman walk-on Anthony Rezac, the twin brother of linebacker Teddy Rezac, who ran the scout team last season while Carr dealt with an elbow issue.