Marcus Freeman Faces Crucial Decision in Choosing Notre Dame’s Next Starting Quarterback Following Riley Leonard’s Departure to NFL
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman stands at a defining juncture in his tenure as the Fighting Irish prepare to enter a post-Riley Leonard era. With Leonard declaring for the NFL after just one season in South Bend, Freeman must now evaluate a competitive and talented quarterback room to determine who will lead Notre Dame into the next chapter of its storied football history. The decision will shape not only the team’s trajectory in the 2025 season but also Freeman’s long-term legacy as the program’s head coach.
Leonard’s short-lived but impactful stint at Notre Dame provided the Irish with a dual-threat presence who added experience and calm in crucial moments. While his numbers didn’t mirror the elite production of other top-tier quarterbacks, Leonard’s poise, decision-making, and leadership helped stabilize the offense. Now, Freeman is tasked with identifying a successor who can elevate the unit beyond stability and into true national title contention.
Notre Dame’s quarterback room is full of promise, but with that promise comes uncertainty. The main contenders include junior Kenny Minchey, redshirt freshman CJ Carr, early enrollee Deuce Knight, and potentially a veteran transfer should Freeman choose to explore the portal again. Each brings a unique skill set and developmental timeline, and each would lead the Irish offense with a different tone and rhythm.
Kenny Minchey, a third-year signal-caller from Tennessee, might be the most polished option currently on the roster. Minchey arrived with a solid four-star pedigree and has spent two years learning the system while showing flashes in practice and limited game action. He’s got a quick release, sharp football instincts, and a calm pocket presence. At this point in his career, Minchey seems poised to make the leap from a depth chart name to a full-time starter. Coaches have praised his film study habits and leadership among younger players, and there’s a growing sense in South Bend that he’s ready to prove himself in meaningful snaps.
Then there’s CJ Carr, the prized recruit from Michigan and a name Irish fans have followed since he committed. The grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, CJ represents a high-upside future for Notre Dame at the quarterback position. His smooth mechanics, high football IQ, and quick acclimation to the college game impressed coaches throughout spring ball. Carr might still be growing into the physical side of the position, but he has elite-level potential and could very well emerge as the choice if Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock decide to prioritize upside and playmaking. The coaching staff has been impressed with his grasp of the playbook and his quiet confidence, which could make him a serious candidate if Minchey falters or fails to create distance during fall camp.
Early enrollee Deuce Knight is the most athletic quarterback in the room and perhaps the long-term star if he develops as expected. A left-handed passer from Mississippi with elite arm strength and mobility, Knight’s raw tools are dazzling. However, he’s still just 18 years old and is learning how to operate within the structure of a Power Five offense. Knight’s spring game performance showcased his deep ball and escapability, but it also underlined the need for refinement in timing, progressions, and accuracy on intermediate routes. While few expect him to win the starting job outright this season, Freeman’s decision may indirectly affect Knight’s development curve. If the coaching staff installs a quarterback with a limited shelf life, Knight could be in position to take over in 2026 with a full year of learning behind the scenes.
There’s also the possibility that Freeman could turn to the transfer portal once again. In an era where elite quarterbacks are always on the move, Notre Dame’s national brand, facilities, and strong NIL support make it an attractive destination for signal-callers looking for one final shot to boost their draft stock. However, after back-to-back one-year starters in Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard, the program might be looking for more stability and continuity. Still, if no quarterback on the current roster clearly distinguishes himself in fall camp, the staff may look for a veteran with big-game experience to bridge the gap.
For Freeman, this decision carries extra weight. Notre Dame enters the 2025 season with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations and a roster that returns talent at key positions, especially on the offensive line and at running back. The defense, once again, should be among the nation’s best. What’s missing is a consistent, explosive offensive identity—something that has eluded Notre Dame in recent years. Choosing the right quarterback is essential not just for wins and losses but also for building an offensive culture that mirrors the team’s physical, aggressive defensive identity.
The offensive system under Denbrock will remain adaptable, which benefits whichever quarterback earns the job. Denbrock has proven he can mold a scheme around a quarterback’s strengths, whether it’s leaning on read-option packages, spread concepts, or play-action-heavy sets. Minchey would bring balance and rhythm to the offense, while Carr could open up more vertical passing. Knight, in time, might unlock a modern, Lamar Jackson-like explosiveness if given the runway. A transfer could offer instant execution, though at the cost of stunting internal development.
Freeman has shown he’s not afraid to take bold steps, even if they deviate from traditional Notre Dame coaching approaches. His emphasis on recruiting high-upside athletes, embracing the transfer portal, and hiring progressive coordinators has rejuvenated the program. But this decision—his quarterback for the post-Leonard era—feels different. It’s not just about who plays quarterback; it’s about who becomes the face of the team. Freeman needs a leader who can win in tough environments, manage games against playoff-level defenses, and, more than anything, inspire belief among teammates.
The choice may also reveal Freeman’s own evolution as a head coach. When he first arrived, he leaned heavily on experience and steadiness at quarterback, which made sense for a new head coach learning on the job. Now, with more time under his belt and a stronger foundation, he might be willing to take a risk on a younger player with a higher ceiling. If Freeman picks Minchey, it signals trust in a traditional developmental arc. If he picks Carr, it points toward a long-term investment in a potential program-defining star. And if he opts for a late portal addition, it reflects urgency to win now and perhaps a hesitance to place the future in untested hands.
Regardless of who emerges, the Irish need better quarterback play in 2025 to reach the goals Freeman has laid out. Notre Dame’s recent struggles in marquee games have often boiled down to quarterback limitations. Against teams like Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama, a great defense can only carry the Irish so far. The program needs a quarterback who can throw Notre Dame into victory—not just manage a game, but win it outright.
Freeman knows this, and he’s approaching the decision with both patience and intensity. The competition will stretch deep into fall camp, with all three primary options receiving first-team reps early on. Insiders suggest that the staff won’t announce a starter until well into August, allowing time for separation. It’s a smart approach, especially in an era where naming a starter too soon can lead to unnecessary transfers and locker room drama. Freeman has emphasized that the battle will be won through consistency, command of the huddle, and the ability to produce in scrimmage settings.
Notre Dame’s season opener against Texas A&M looms large. It’s not the type of game where a new starter can afford to ease in slowly. The Irish will need a quarterback who is ready to go from the first snap—calm under pressure, able to make throws on third-and-long, and composed enough to lead a hostile road environment. Freeman isn’t just picking a quarterback for Week 1; he’s selecting a tone-setter for the entire season and perhaps beyond.
As of now, no clear frontrunner has emerged, though buzz around Carr continues to grow. His charisma, competitive nature, and quick grasp of the playbook have impressed players and coaches alike. Still, Minchey’s experience and quiet confidence keep him firmly in the mix. And while Knight may be the least likely to start, his presence reminds everyone of the electric possibilities down the line.
Freeman’s choice won’t come easy, but it could define the arc of Notre Dame football for years. With a talented roster, a loyal fanbase, and the pressure of championship expectations, the quarterback he selects must be more than a game manager. He must be a game changer.
