As the 2025 college football season approaches, anticipation continues to build in South Bend as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to charge into a new campaign with a blend of veteran leadership and emerging star power. Among the players drawing the most attention is quarterback CJ Carr, a highly touted talent who headlines a group of breakthrough prospects expected to make a significant impact this season. With a historic tradition, national expectations, and a revamped roster that’s brimming with promise, the Fighting Irish are positioning themselves for a run that could reshape the college football landscape in the coming months.
CJ Carr’s name has been a point of excitement since he first committed to Notre Dame. The grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, CJ arrived in South Bend with more than just a famous name—he brought with him a fierce work ethic, poise beyond his years, and the type of arm talent that excites both fans and scouts alike. After an impressive spring camp and continued growth through the summer, Carr is not only expected to lead the offense but also serve as a defining face of the new era of Notre Dame football. His leadership, football IQ, and charisma have drawn rave reviews from teammates and coaches, and he’s already shown flashes of being a field general who can command the tempo, inspire confidence, and deliver under pressure.
What separates CJ Carr from many young quarterbacks is his remarkable command of the offense and his willingness to take calculated risks. His understanding of pre-snap reads, ability to quickly process defenses, and accuracy on intermediate and deep throws make him a dynamic threat in a college football landscape that increasingly demands multi-dimensional quarterbacks. But beyond the stats and skill set, Carr has emerged as a unifying force in the locker room, someone whose presence elevates those around him. Whether it’s through his film study habits, vocal leadership in practice, or humble demeanor off the field, Carr exudes the qualities that Notre Dame has long cherished in its quarterbacks—toughness, intelligence, and heart.
While Carr naturally garners much of the spotlight, he is far from the only rising star to watch on this 2025 Fighting Irish roster. In fact, Notre Dame is flush with breakthrough prospects who have earned their way into key roles through dedication, development, and flashes of brilliance during their underclassman years. One of the names rapidly gaining attention is wide receiver Jayden Thomas. After showing signs of promise in a rotational role last season, Thomas has transformed into one of Carr’s favorite targets. His blend of size, speed, and route-running precision makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Coaches have noted that his consistency and explosiveness in spring practices signal a breakout year in the making.
In the trenches, offensive tackle Charles Jagusah is poised to anchor a line that’s long been a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s success. Standing at 6’6” with a powerful frame and nimble footwork, Jagusah has developed into a dominant presence, capable of neutralizing edge rushers and opening massive lanes in the run game. His development has been accelerated by a relentless commitment to strength training and film study, and he now stands as one of the team’s most physically imposing players. For a Notre Dame offense built on balance and precision, having a left tackle like Jagusah provides the foundation needed to execute at a championship level.
On the defensive side of the ball, the name that continues to rise is linebacker Drayk Bowen. Once a blue-chip recruit, Bowen has steadily developed into the kind of sideline-to-sideline presence who can wreak havoc in both the run game and in pass coverage. Known for his tenacity and high football IQ, Bowen’s role is expected to expand dramatically this season as the Irish look to reload their linebacker corps. His athleticism and play recognition allow him to make instinctive plays that disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses. Whether plugging gaps, chasing down mobile quarterbacks, or covering tight ends in space, Bowen’s versatility makes him a true asset.
Another emerging star to watch is safety Ben Minich, whose range, ball skills, and physicality have turned heads throughout offseason workouts. With the departure of veteran leaders in the secondary, Minich has embraced the challenge of stepping into a more prominent role. Coaches praise his fearlessness, communication skills, and attention to detail. In a defensive scheme that relies on safeties to cover large portions of the field and provide run support, Minich could be the key to maintaining Notre Dame’s reputation for hard-nosed, disciplined defense.
In the running back room, sophomore Jeremiyah Love has positioned himself to take on a larger role after flashes of brilliance in limited action last year. Love’s combination of speed, vision, and balance gives the Irish a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. His offseason progress has included enhanced pass-blocking and improved patience in reading blocks, elements that will serve him well as he shoulders more responsibility in the offense. With CJ Carr’s ability to stretch the field vertically, Love could thrive in an offense that forces defenses to respect the pass and opens up opportunities in the run game.
All of these individual talents, however, are only part of the story. What’s perhaps most encouraging for Notre Dame fans heading into 2025 is the palpable sense of cohesion and determination within the program. Head coach Marcus Freeman has instilled a culture built on accountability, toughness, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This group of players reflects that mindset. They aren’t just physically gifted—they’re mentally tough, team-oriented, and driven by a shared belief that Notre Dame football can compete with anyone, anywhere.
The schedule ahead is not without its challenges. The Fighting Irish will face a series of high-stakes matchups against traditional rivals and playoff-caliber programs. But for this team, those challenges are opportunities. Every game is a chance to prove themselves, to showcase their growth, and to continue writing the legacy of Notre Dame football. With young stars like CJ Carr at the helm, supported by a hungry and talented supporting cast, this year’s team has the potential to surprise even the most seasoned observers.
Off the field, the energy around the program is electric. Recruits are taking notice, alumni are re-engaging, and fans are buzzing about what this season might bring. The blend of tradition and innovation within the program is resonating, creating an environment that’s both respectful of the past and relentlessly focused on the future. From upgraded facilities to forward-thinking schemes and a renewed emphasis on player development, the program is aligning all its resources to give this group every chance to succeed.
It’s a new day in South Bend, and the 2025 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are ready to take the field with purpose and pride. They are fueled by the lessons of those who came before them and driven by a desire to forge their own legacy. As CJ Carr and his fellow breakthrough stars lead the charge, one thing is certain—Notre Dame is not just preparing to compete. They’re preparing to make a statement. The echoes are growing louder, and the Fighting Irish are ready to rise.
