Marcus Freeman Emphasizes Consistency, Leadership, and Resiliency as Keys in Notre Dame’s Search for Stability at Quarterback in 2025
As Notre Dame football continues its preparation for the 2025 season, head coach Marcus Freeman has made one thing perfectly clear: the quarterback position must be a source of stability, not uncertainty. While the Irish boast a roster full of talent and potential across the board, the quarterback battle has emerged as the central storyline of fall camp — and Freeman’s expectations for the position go far beyond arm strength or highlight throws. He wants consistency. He wants resiliency. And above all, he wants someone who can lead.
It’s not just about who starts Week 1 against Texas A&M. For Freeman, the quarterback role is about trust, decision-making, and the ability to rally a team in both good and bad moments. The quarterback is the tone-setter for the offense and, in many ways, for the entire locker room. That’s why this battle is being evaluated with such scrutiny — not just by fans and media, but by Freeman himself.
This year’s competition is between junior Steve Angeli and redshirt freshman CJ Carr. Each brings a different skill set and a different level of experience, but both are vying to be the next great signal-caller in South Bend. Angeli, with two seasons in the system and some in-game action under his belt, offers reliability and a mature understanding of the playbook. Carr, the highly touted former five-star recruit, brings a ceiling that could change the complexion of Notre Dame’s offense if he realizes his potential early.
Throughout camp, Freeman has spoken repeatedly about the intangible aspects of quarterback play. He’s not just watching completions and arm angles — he’s observing how each quarterback responds to a bad series, how they communicate with teammates, how they handle coaching criticism. It’s about body language, resilience, and whether or not the team believes in the guy under center. That belief, Freeman knows, is not earned overnight.
In past seasons, Notre Dame has struggled at times to find true stability at quarterback. From the transfer of Jack Coan to the inconsistent play of Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne, the Irish have rotated through capable but ultimately unsteady performers. Last year, Sam Hartman brought leadership and experience, but even he struggled in the biggest games when the pressure was highest. Freeman is determined to avoid that same uncertainty this fall. He’s not looking for the flashiest player — he’s looking for the most dependable.
That’s why consistency is so central to his vision. Freeman has emphasized that both Angeli and Carr need to show they can execute the offense at a high level every day — not just in highlight moments, but in routine reps, red zone work, third-and-long situations, and during two-minute drills. It’s about repeatable performance. One great practice doesn’t move the needle much if it’s followed by inconsistency the next day. Freeman wants a quarterback who steadily improves, responds to adversity, and stays locked in.
Resiliency is the other pillar of Freeman’s evaluation. College football seasons are long and unpredictable. Mistakes will happen. Quarterbacks will throw interceptions, take sacks, and miss reads. What matters to Freeman is how they respond. Does a pick lead to a mental collapse? Or does it lead to a sharper next drive? Freeman has praised both Angeli and Carr for their competitiveness, but he’s made it clear that resiliency — the ability to bounce back and reset — is what separates good quarterbacks from great ones.
Part of the challenge for Freeman is managing the balance between competition and chemistry. Both Angeli and Carr are respected in the locker room, and both have the tools to succeed. But only one can start. Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock are tasked with not only choosing the right player, but also doing so in a way that strengthens team unity. Open quarterback battles can be divisive if not handled well, but so far, the vibe out of camp has been positive. Players have spoken publicly about how both quarterbacks are pushing each other and elevating the offense.
Still, time is ticking. With the season opener looming, Freeman knows a decision will need to be made soon — not just to give the starter full reps with the ones, but to allow the offense to settle into a rhythm. The quarterback sets the pace for everything — timing with receivers, cadence for the offensive line, chemistry with running backs. The sooner a starter is named, the more cohesion the offense can build before taking the field in College Station.
Another factor in this battle is Freeman’s desire to avoid a rotation. While some programs opt to play multiple quarterbacks early in the year, Freeman has indicated that he wants to establish a true starter. The ideal scenario, in his mind, is naming a starter who holds the job from Week 1 through the postseason. That kind of clarity, Freeman believes, is necessary for building trust and continuity on offense.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that both quarterbacks will see the field — not as part of a platoon, but through creative packages or situational substitutions. Carr, with his mobility and quick release, could be used in red zone or third-down situations even if Angeli wins the job. Conversely, Angeli’s steady hand might be leaned on in late-game management scenarios. But Freeman has made it clear: he doesn’t want to split reps if he doesn’t have to. He wants a leader to emerge.
Both quarterbacks have had their moments in camp. Angeli has impressed with his command of the offense, often making the right reads and delivering accurate throws in short to intermediate windows. He’s shown growth in pre-snap diagnostics and has developed chemistry with veteran targets like Jayden Thomas and Tobias Merriweather. Carr, meanwhile, has flashed elite arm strength and creativity outside the pocket. His athleticism gives the offense a different dimension, and his confidence is evident despite his youth. He’s had stretches where he looks like the future — maybe even the present.
The decision ultimately rests on who can deliver the best blend of poise, production, and consistency. Freeman and Denbrock aren’t chasing ceiling as much as they are chasing trust. Who can they trust to run the offense cleanly, to protect the football, and to handle adversity like a veteran? That’s what will decide this race.
In the broader context, Freeman’s emphasis on consistency and resiliency speaks to his overall philosophy as a head coach. He’s building a program rooted in accountability, toughness, and clarity. At every position — not just quarterback — Freeman demands buy-in, growth, and mental toughness. But nowhere is that more important than under center. The quarterback has to be an extension of the head coach on the field, and Freeman wants that presence to be unwavering, even when the scoreboard isn’t favorable.
It also speaks to where Notre Dame is as a program. After multiple 10-win seasons and recent Playoff appearances, the Irish are knocking on the door of national relevance. But to truly break through — to beat the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan in high-stakes games — they need elite quarterback play. Not just good enough. Not just competent. Elite. Freeman knows that. He’s not just searching for a starter. He’s searching for a game-changer who can elevate everyone around him and meet the moment when the pressure is highest.
And yet, he’s not asking his quarterbacks to be perfect. He’s asking them to be prepared. To be poised. To be consistent. To be resilient. Because at Notre Dame, the expectations are always high. The schedule is always tough. The spotlight is always bright. Whoever wins the job will carry more than just the football — they’ll carry the weight of a program that expects to win now.
The battle will soon come to an end. One name will rise to the top. But the traits Marcus Freeman is searching for — consistency and resiliency — will define more than just the quarterback position. They’ll define the 2025 Notre Dame football team. And if the Irish are to reach their ceiling this fall, it will be because someone in that quarterback room didn’t just win the job — he earned it, one resilient, consistent rep at a time.
