Marcus Freeman Discusses Spring Development And Quarterbacks Following Notre Dame’s Blue Gold Game

As the 2025 football season draws closer, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program is in a crucial phase of development, and head coach Marcus Freeman is fully aware of the pressure to deliver another successful campaign. Freeman, who has been at the helm for Notre Dame since 2022, continues to build on his program’s foundation while navigating the complexities of player development, team cohesion, and position battles. In the aftermath of the annual Blue-Gold Game, Freeman provided a comprehensive review of the team’s progress through the spring and gave a detailed breakdown of the quarterback position—one of the most scrutinized areas of the team heading into the fall.

This year’s Blue-Gold Game, a scrimmage designed to showcase the talent on the roster and give fans a glimpse of what’s to come, served as the perfect platform for Freeman to address key issues and identify areas for improvement. The game, held at Notre Dame Stadium, provided a unique opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate players in a game-like environment, testing their skills, poise, and mental toughness. For Freeman, it was more than just an exhibition; it was a critical opportunity to assess spring development, especially with some of the most important battles still up in the air, notably the quarterback position.

Spring Development: Building the Foundation for 2025

When Freeman addressed the media following the Blue-Gold Game, his first point of emphasis was the overall development of the team throughout the spring. He stressed the importance of using these weeks to create a solid foundation, both physically and mentally, for the challenges ahead.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth this spring,” Freeman said. “Our guys have been working extremely hard, and we’ve pushed them to their limits. But the real test comes when the lights come on, and the pressure is on during the season. This spring was all about laying the groundwork. It’s not just about developing skills, but also the mental toughness to handle the adversity that will come.”

One of the areas Freeman highlighted as a major focus during spring camp was the defensive front. With the loss of some key players from last year’s defense, particularly up front, Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden made it a priority to build depth and establish a solid rotation on the defensive line. With a deep group of defensive linemen, including veterans like Howard Cross and rising stars like Gabriel Rubio, Notre Dame has developed one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the country.

“We know that to be successful, we need to dominate in the trenches,” Freeman said. “It’s about being physical and relentless. Our defense has shown real promise this spring, and we’re excited to see how they progress through the summer.”

Offensively, Freeman acknowledged the strides made by the offensive line, an area that has been under scrutiny in recent seasons. The Irish have been bolstered by the return of veterans, including Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, two of the best tackles in the country. The offensive line is pivotal for the team’s success, particularly with the new quarterback under center. Freeman expressed confidence in the progress made but indicated that consistency will be key.

“Our offensive line has been solid, but it’s important that we continue to work together and refine our communication. That’s where the real growth will come from,” Freeman explained.

Quarterback Position: A Battle for the Starting Role

Of course, no position in college football garners more attention than quarterback, and this year, the competition for the starting job at Notre Dame is one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring. With the departure of Sam Hartman, who led the offense last season, Freeman is tasked with selecting a new signal caller who will be the face of the program moving forward. The Blue-Gold Game presented an opportunity for Freeman to assess the three primary contenders for the role: sophomore Steve Angeli, highly touted freshman CJ Carr, and transfer Sam Johnson, who arrived from the University of Arizona.

Freeman acknowledged that the quarterback competition would not be settled solely based on performance in the spring game but would be evaluated holistically over the course of spring practices, summer training, and fall camp.

“We’ve seen a lot from all three quarterbacks this spring,” Freeman said. “Each of them has different skill sets, but what’s most important is who can lead this team and execute the offense effectively. We’ve got to make sure we’re putting the best player in the position to succeed.”

Steve Angeli: Experience and Leadership

Steve Angeli, the sophomore quarterback, is the most experienced of the three contenders. Angeli has spent a year learning under Hartman and has shown glimpses of his potential. His knowledge of the offense and familiarity with the program have made him a natural leader in the quarterback room. During the Blue-Gold Game, Angeli demonstrated solid mechanics, quick decision-making, and poise in the pocket.

While some of his throws weren’t as crisp as Freeman would have liked, Angeli’s ability to command the offense and make critical reads was evident. He has a good grasp of the playbook and his teammates seem to respond well to his leadership.

“Steve has a lot of experience under his belt,” Freeman noted. “He’s been in the program for a year and has had the opportunity to learn from Sam Hartman. He knows the offense and understands what it takes to win in the big moments. We’re excited to see how he continues to develop.”

CJ Carr: The Freshman Phenomenon

CJ Carr, the highly regarded freshman quarterback, is one of the most exciting prospects to come through Notre Dame in recent years. A top-tier recruit, Carr has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the spring, with a strong arm and impressive mobility for his size. His ability to make throws on the run and his quick release have earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike.

During the Blue-Gold Game, Carr exhibited his playmaking ability with some eye-catching throws, including a deep ball to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, which showcased his potential as a future star. However, like many freshmen, Carr’s performance was not without its mistakes. He had some misfires and looked tentative at times, which is expected given his inexperience.

“CJ’s potential is undeniable,” Freeman said. “He has all the tools you want in a quarterback—arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. But the next step for him is consistency. He’s learning how to read defenses and make quicker decisions. But we’re excited to have him in the mix.”

Sam Johnson: The Transfer Veteran

Sam Johnson, a transfer from Arizona, brings valuable experience to the Notre Dame quarterback room. Johnson started games for the Wildcats and has seen extensive action at the college level. His experience and leadership have been invaluable during the spring, and he has looked sharp in practice sessions. During the Blue-Gold Game, Johnson showed that he can operate in the pocket with poise, delivering accurate passes to his receivers.

Freeman noted that Johnson’s maturity and composure make him a strong candidate for the starting role, but he will need to adjust to the speed of Notre Dame’s offense and continue to learn the system.

“Sam has experience at the college level, which is huge,” Freeman said. “He understands the tempo and the pressure of playing in big games. But he still has to learn our system and get comfortable with our personnel. We’re excited about what he brings to the table.”

Evaluating the Quarterback Competition Moving Forward

As Freeman made clear in his remarks, the quarterback competition is far from over. While the Blue-Gold Game provided a glimpse of each player’s capabilities, it will take more time for Freeman and his coaching staff to determine who will start in Week 1 of the 2025 season. The battle will continue through the summer and into fall camp, where Freeman expects each quarterback to elevate their game.

“We’ve got a lot of talent at the quarterback position,” Freeman said. “It’s not going to be an easy decision. We’ve got three quarterbacks who can lead this team, but it’s about finding the guy who can take us to the next level. We’ll continue to evaluate each of them in practice, in the film room, and on the field.”

Freeman also noted that while the quarterback competition is crucial, it’s important for the team as a whole to develop chemistry and grow together as a unit. The offensive line, the running backs, and the receiving corps will all play pivotal roles in determining the success of the quarterback. Freeman emphasized that the focus will remain on building a balanced and dynamic offense that can adapt to whatever challenges arise during the season.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

With the Blue-Gold Game behind them, the Fighting Irish now turn their attention to the summer months, where they will continue to hone their skills and prepare for the 2025 season. The quarterback competition will undoubtedly remain a focal point, but Freeman knows that the success of the program hinges on the development of the entire team. As the Irish continue to evolve, Freeman remains optimistic about the future.

“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe in this team,” Freeman concluded. “We’ve made a lot of progress this spring, and we’re going to continue to improve. Our goal is to be better than we were last year, and we’re going to do everything we can to make that happen.”

As Freeman continues to build his program and develop his team, the quarterback position will be one of the most critical areas of focus moving forward. With a talented group of quarterbacks competing for the starting role, the Fighting Irish are poised for an exciting 2025 season, and all eyes will be on which player emerges as the leader under center.