All Eyes on the Signal Caller: Marcus Freeman Faces Pressure to Name Notre Dame’s Starting Quarterback
With spring practice entering its most critical stretch, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman finds himself at the epicenter of one of the most hotly debated topics surrounding the Fighting Irish: the starting quarterback competition. As the fanbase grows increasingly curious and national media ramps up scrutiny, Freeman remains composed — but it’s undeniable that the clock is ticking. The importance of selecting the right starting quarterback for the 2024 season is not lost on Freeman, his coaching staff, or the locker room. This decision doesn’t just impact the outcome of the first game; it will define Notre Dame’s trajectory and identity in a season loaded with expectations.
For Freeman, now entering his third season at the helm in South Bend, every choice carries more weight. His vision for the program — one centered on toughness, accountability, and a return to championship relevance — hinges on reliable leadership under center. And while Notre Dame boasts a strong quarterback room, featuring a blend of talent, experience, and upside, there is still no clear consensus on who will take the first snap when the Irish open their season in Dublin.
Currently, the competition centers around three names: Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and incoming freshman phenom CJ Carr. Angeli, the most experienced of the trio, saw meaningful reps last season behind transfer quarterback Sam Hartman. He’s earned praise from teammates and coaches for his poise, football IQ, and command of the huddle. Minchey, entering his sophomore campaign, possesses a live arm and impressive athleticism, making him a dynamic option with a higher ceiling if he can master the nuances of the offense. Then there’s Carr — the prized recruit and early enrollee who has already shown flashes of brilliance during spring drills. While it’s rare for true freshmen to start at Notre Dame, Carr’s rapid development has turned heads and complicated what was once considered a two-man race.
Freeman has made it clear that this competition will not be decided by hype or potential, but by consistency, decision-making, and the ability to lead a team both on and off the field. During recent media availability, Freeman reiterated his commitment to letting the process play out: “We’re not going to rush a decision. We want to give these guys every opportunity to prove themselves. The most important thing is that we get it right — not fast, but right.”
Still, Freeman is under pressure to name a starter sooner rather than later. The upcoming Blue-Gold Game, set for later this month, will be a pivotal moment. Fans, boosters, and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who gets the nod with the first-team offense, how each quarterback handles in-game situations, and whether a true leader begins to emerge in front of a live audience. Spring games are rarely definitive, but in this case, they could provide clarity.
Angeli’s experience makes him a logical frontrunner in the eyes of many. He’s shown he can operate offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s system efficiently, make smart reads, and avoid costly mistakes. He’s also earned the trust of the offensive line — a key element for any quarterback stepping into a leadership role. Angeli might not be the flashiest option, but there’s a sense of stability when he’s in control, and that’s valuable for a team with playoff aspirations.
On the other hand, Minchey brings a different kind of spark. His athleticism allows the playbook to expand with RPOs and designed rollouts, and he has the arm strength to hit throws that others might not attempt. The question with Minchey has always been about polish — can he manage the game, avoid turnovers, and stay composed when things break down? If he can put those pieces together consistently during the remainder of spring and into fall camp, his upside may be too enticing to ignore.
And then there’s Carr, the wild card. The true freshman has impressed coaches with his maturity and preparation — traits that don’t always accompany young quarterbacks entering high-pressure programs like Notre Dame. Carr has flashed elite accuracy in short and intermediate throws and has already started building chemistry with the team’s receiving corps. Freeman has been cautious in managing expectations for Carr but hasn’t ruled him out of the competition. “He’s ahead of schedule,” Freeman admitted. “But we want to make sure we do what’s best for his development — and for the team.”
One factor complicating Freeman’s decision is the structure of Notre Dame’s schedule. The Irish face a challenging early slate that includes games against Texas A&M and Purdue. Those aren’t ideal matchups for breaking in an inexperienced quarterback. Freeman and Denbrock know that whoever starts must be ready to handle high-level competition immediately. There’s no time for growing pains if Notre Dame wants to make a legitimate push toward a College Football Playoff berth.
Leadership and locker room presence will also play a major role in the final decision. Freeman places a premium on culture, and he’s been vocal about wanting a quarterback who earns the respect of his teammates — not just through performance, but through presence. So far, Angeli is seen as a vocal leader, while Minchey has reportedly grown more confident this offseason. Carr’s maturity and natural charisma have also started to shine, even as a freshman navigating his first semester of college football.
Freeman has been in these shoes before, albeit with more clarity thanks to Sam Hartman’s arrival last year. This year, there’s no proven veteran transfer. It’s all about development, competition, and trust. The Notre Dame staff is embracing the challenge, using spring practices not only to evaluate the quarterbacks but to ensure the rest of the offense — particularly the offensive line and skill positions — is prepared to rally behind whoever wins the job.
There’s also a strong sense that this competition is pushing all three quarterbacks to improve. Iron sharpens iron, as they say, and Freeman has fostered a healthy environment where competition doesn’t breed division but determination. Wide receivers have noted that each quarterback brings different timing and ball placement, forcing them to stay sharp. Running backs and tight ends are getting reps with multiple quarterbacks, ensuring the offense doesn’t skip a beat regardless of who’s under center.
As Freeman approaches the final weeks of spring ball, his focus remains on evaluating tape, simulating game scenarios, and testing how each quarterback handles pressure. The final decision may not come until fall camp, but every rep, meeting, and practice from this point forward carries weight. Freeman understands what’s at stake. Quarterback is the most scrutinized position in football, and at a place like Notre Dame, it comes with expectations rooted in decades of tradition and excellence.
For Freeman, getting this decision right isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about legacy. It’s about showing that he can develop quarterbacks, make bold yet thoughtful decisions, and lead Notre Dame back to national prominence. The program’s future, at least in the short term, hinges on the man who lines up behind center.
As the world watches and speculation swirls, Marcus Freeman remains calm but deliberate. The pressure is real, but so is the opportunity. In the coming weeks, the Fighting Irish will find out who their leader will be in 2024 — and Freeman will hope that the one he chooses is ready to seize the moment.
