All Eyes On Quarterback Battle As Notre Dame Enters Crucial Training Camp With Riley Leonard, CJ Carr Leading Fierce Competition
As Notre Dame football gears up for one of its most anticipated seasons in recent memory, the storyline dominating headlines entering training camp is the quarterback battle. While the Fighting Irish boast a loaded roster across both sides of the ball, highlighted by veteran leadership on defense and an influx of high-end talent at the skill positions, it is the unresolved quarterback situation that will define fall camp and likely shape the direction of the 2025 season.
At the heart of the competition are Duke transfer Riley Leonard and five-star freshman CJ Carr, two distinctly different players who represent separate timelines and philosophies for the Irish. Leonard, the experienced veteran, comes in with three years of ACC football under his belt and a proven dual-threat profile. Carr, the prized recruit and heir apparent, offers a tantalizing long-term ceiling and has already turned heads in offseason workouts with his maturity, precision, and confidence.
While head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have remained tight-lipped about the depth chart, sources close to the program suggest that the coaching staff is preparing for a real competition—not simply handing the keys to Leonard by default. That approach has sparked excitement among fans and analysts, who see the battle not just as a test of skill, but of leadership, command, and readiness to guide a team with playoff aspirations.
Leonard enters camp as the presumed favorite. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback brings a wealth of experience, having started for multiple seasons at Duke where he was the centerpiece of a resurgent program. In 2022, he threw for over 2,900 yards and added more than 700 rushing yards, displaying the mobility and toughness that has become increasingly valuable in modern offenses. Though an ankle injury in 2024 limited his production, Leonard is now fully healthy and eager to prove himself in South Bend.
Notre Dame’s staff targeted Leonard in the portal with a clear vision. His skill set aligns well with Denbrock’s offensive philosophy, which emphasizes movement, RPOs, and plays designed to stress defenses both vertically and horizontally. Leonard’s ability to keep plays alive, stretch the field with his arm, and protect the football makes him a natural fit in that system. More importantly, his leadership and poise under pressure are traits that the Irish staff highly values as they transition to a more up-tempo, modern offense.
Still, the presence of Carr complicates the equation. The Michigan native and grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr enrolled early and quickly impressed during spring practices. Carr is polished far beyond his years. He reads defenses with the comfort of a veteran, delivers a catchable ball with timing and anticipation, and has drawn comparisons to quarterbacks like Sam Hartman and even former Notre Dame standout Brady Quinn for his cerebral approach.
Carr’s rapid development has forced the staff to take a closer look at his timeline. While the original plan may have been to redshirt him or bring him along slowly, his performance has made that path far less certain. Denbrock has praised Carr for his ability to retain information, lead with quiet confidence, and push the older players around him. Those traits have only fueled speculation that he could seriously challenge Leonard for the starting job.
Beyond Leonard and Carr, the room also includes veteran Steve Angeli and redshirt freshman Kenny Minchey, both of whom bring value in their own right. Angeli, who saw action in mop-up duty last season, is a steady hand and a well-liked figure in the locker room. Minchey, meanwhile, offers strong arm talent and athletic upside, though he remains a step behind Carr in terms of consistency. Both players are expected to get meaningful reps during early portions of camp, but the bulk of the first-team opportunities will go to Leonard and Carr.
One of the more intriguing aspects of this quarterback competition is how it affects the rest of the roster. Wide receivers have openly praised both quarterbacks for their ability to deliver the ball accurately and lead huddles with authority. Running backs and tight ends have noted the importance of communication at the line of scrimmage—an area where Leonard’s experience gives him a slight edge, but Carr’s film-study habits are helping him close the gap quickly.
Then there’s the matter of chemistry. Leonard has had to develop relationships quickly since arriving on campus, and while he’s done a solid job of connecting with his teammates, Carr has the benefit of coming up alongside fellow freshmen and early enrollees. That familiarity has shown during 7-on-7 sessions and player-led workouts, where Carr’s timing with young receivers like Koby Howard and Micah Gilbert has been evident.
Freeman has emphasized that the competition will be open and performance-based, rather than dictated by experience or expectations. “We want the guy who gives us the best chance to win football games,” Freeman said. “Whether that’s a veteran or a freshman, the standard is the same.”
From a strategic standpoint, Denbrock’s offense may also evolve depending on who wins the job. With Leonard, expect more designed quarterback runs, quick game concepts to neutralize pass rushes, and occasional deep shots off play-action. With Carr, the focus may lean more toward structured reads, controlled tempo, and an emphasis on ball placement in the short and intermediate passing game. Both styles can be effective—the challenge is tailoring the rest of the offense to maximize whichever quarterback takes the lead.
Notre Dame’s schedule only adds to the pressure. Week 1 brings a high-stakes non-conference battle that will test the Irish early. Whoever starts under center will need to be sharp, confident, and prepared for a nationally televised environment. There won’t be much time for growing pains, and that makes training camp all the more critical.
Beyond the physical reps, coaches will pay close attention to the intangible factors—who leads in the film room, who commands the huddle, who handles adversity. Past Notre Dame teams have been defined by their quarterback play, for better or worse. Freeman knows that making the right decision at the position will be one of the defining moments of his young head coaching career.
As camp unfolds, fans can expect regular updates, fluctuating depth charts, and plenty of speculation. The fan base is divided, with some calling for the veteran presence of Leonard and others pushing for the excitement and long-term upside of Carr. But inside the walls of the Guglielmino Athletics Complex, the focus is on execution, accountability, and competition.
No matter who wins the starting job, the backup will be one play away, and the importance of maintaining depth and readiness at the position cannot be overstated. Injuries, slumps, and unexpected moments can all force a change, and Notre Dame has learned in recent years the importance of having multiple quarterbacks capable of leading the team.
This quarterback battle isn’t just about 2025. It’s about the future of Notre Dame football. If Leonard wins the job and thrives, Carr still looms as the next in line—a potential multi-year starter with All-American upside. If Carr earns the starting nod sooner than expected, it signals the dawn of a new era built around a prodigy who could elevate the Irish back into the national championship conversation.
Either way, the Irish appear to be in good hands. The quarterback room is as deep, talented, and competitive as it’s been in years, and with the right decision—and development—the position could go from question mark to cornerstone.
Training camp will provide the answers. Until then, the spotlight remains fixed on Notre Dame’s most important position, where two talented quarterbacks are vying for the right to lead one of college football’s most iconic programs back to the top.
