As spring practice heats up in South Bend, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program is rife with storylines that have fans buzzing. With the 2024 season quickly approaching, questions surrounding key positions—most notably quarterback and offensive line—are front and center. Additionally, there’s been growing speculation about the potential of CJ Carr, the highly touted quarterback prospect who committed to Notre Dame a couple of years ago, and whether he could potentially transfer before ever playing a game for the Irish.
In this mailbag edition, we’ll dive deep into these pressing questions, from the quarterback battle that has become a source of intrigue, to the offensive line shakeups, to the CJ Carr transfer hypothetical. Fans and analysts alike are eager to get a glimpse into the future of the Fighting Irish, and we’ll attempt to provide clarity on the most pressing issues surrounding the program.
1. CJ Carr Transfer Hypothetical: What’s Next for the Highly Touted QB?
CJ Carr, the grandson of legendary Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, was considered one of the top quarterback recruits in the nation when he committed to Notre Dame in 2022. The 6’3”, 215-pound quarterback from the Detroit area was a prized recruit for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Irish staff, offering an exciting future for Notre Dame football. But after signing with Notre Dame, Carr has yet to see the field, leading to questions about his future with the program.
Carr’s decision to come to Notre Dame was a major win for Freeman, as it locked down a highly rated quarterback from an area rich in football talent. However, the situation at quarterback has changed over time, and some observers are beginning to wonder if Carr will ultimately stay with Notre Dame or look for playing time elsewhere. With the presence of Sam Hartman, a transfer quarterback from Wake Forest, and Tyler Buchner, a highly regarded sophomore, the competition for the starting job has become increasingly crowded. So, is there a real chance Carr could transfer before taking a snap for the Irish?
To assess this hypothetical, we need to consider a few important factors.
1.1 The Competition at Quarterback
The quarterback battle in South Bend is one of the most discussed topics of the offseason. Sam Hartman, who transferred to Notre Dame from Wake Forest, enters the spring as the presumptive starter after a highly successful career in Winston-Salem. Hartman brings invaluable experience and leadership to a Notre Dame offense that has struggled at times to find consistent quarterback play over the past several years. Hartman has set several ACC records and could be the stabilizing force that the Irish need to make a run at a College Football Playoff berth.
Tyler Buchner, who started for the Irish last season before being sidelined with an injury, is expected to compete for the starting role as well. While Buchner showed flashes of his dual-threat abilities in his limited playing time, he’s still a bit raw and needs to develop his passing game. Buchner has a strong connection with the current coaching staff and could be a player to watch as spring practice unfolds.
So, where does that leave Carr? As a freshman, Carr would be entering a situation where he would likely need to wait for his opportunity behind two players who are much more experienced than him. With his pedigree and the hype surrounding his recruitment, the idea of Carr sitting on the bench for multiple years could be frustrating for a player who is used to being a high-profile starter. If Carr feels that he won’t get the playing time he desires at Notre Dame, it’s certainly possible that he could explore other options.
1.2 The Situation at Notre Dame
While competition is fierce, the Irish coaching staff is known for valuing players who are patient and willing to develop over time. Carr could find himself in a position where he learns under the tutelage of Hartman and Buchner, who both have different skill sets that Carr could emulate. Notre Dame’s offensive system under Tommy Rees (who has since moved to Alabama) and now under new offensive coordinator Gerad Parker could be an ideal fit for Carr’s development. There’s no question that Notre Dame has the facilities, coaching, and tradition to make it a desirable destination for Carr in the long term.
On the flip side, if Carr feels that he’s ready for playing time and that Notre Dame can’t provide that opportunity within the next few years, he might opt for a fresh start at another program. Transfer portal quarterbacks are increasingly common, and Carr might follow in the footsteps of other highly rated recruits who didn’t see immediate action at their first school.
Ultimately, the decision could come down to Carr’s patience and his belief in Notre Dame’s program and coaches. If he feels that he can develop and eventually take over the starting job, he may stick with the Irish. If not, we could see him look for a more immediate opportunity elsewhere.
2. The Quarterback Battle: Who Will Lead Notre Dame in 2024?
The battle for the starting quarterback position has become one of the most anticipated storylines of Notre Dame’s spring practice. With Sam Hartman and Tyler Buchner competing for the starting role, it’s clear that both players bring different strengths to the table.
2.1 Sam Hartman’s Experience and Stability
Sam Hartman enters spring practice as the clear favorite to be the starting quarterback for the 2024 season. Hartman’s experience, leadership, and arm strength make him a formidable option for the Irish. His time at Wake Forest, where he shattered ACC records, has prepared him for the big stage, and his ability to execute a pro-style offense fits perfectly with what Notre Dame wants to do offensively.
What Hartman brings to the table is a steady hand in what is often a volatile position. Notre Dame has struggled to find consistent quarterback play in recent years, but Hartman has been a model of consistency at Wake Forest. He’s not only capable of putting up big numbers but also leading a team in clutch moments. His veteran presence could provide the stability the Irish offense desperately needs, and many fans and analysts expect him to start right away.
2.2 Tyler Buchner’s Dual-Threat Potential
Tyler Buchner, who started the 2023 season before being sidelined with an injury, remains a key part of the competition. Buchner showed flashes of his dual-threat ability last season, demonstrating both the ability to throw the ball with precision and use his legs to make plays. His mobility and playmaking ability could be a significant advantage for Notre Dame’s offense, particularly in a system that has been designed to take advantage of a quarterback’s athleticism.
While Buchner’s injury history and inconsistency with his passing game have been concerns, there’s no denying his potential. If Buchner can stay healthy and refine his passing mechanics, he could become a dynamic player for the Irish. His ability to stretch defenses both with his arm and his legs could be the difference-maker, especially in tight games where Notre Dame’s offensive attack needs an extra dimension.
2.3 Will a Decision Be Made by Spring Game?
The decision on who will start at quarterback could come down to how both players perform during spring practice and the spring game. Notre Dame’s coaching staff is likely to take a close look at both quarterbacks and see who can consistently execute the offense and provide leadership in the huddle. While Hartman’s experience may give him an edge, Buchner’s upside as a dual-threat option could earn him more playing time, even if he isn’t the starter initially.
The quarterback battle is far from over, and it’s likely that both Hartman and Buchner will see significant playing time in the early part of the season. However, unless a surprise development occurs, Hartman is expected to take the first snap when the Irish open the 2024 season.
3. Offensive Line Battle: Who Will Protect the Quarterback?
Another area of concern for Notre Dame heading into the 2024 season is the offensive line. The Irish have had one of the best offensive lines in college football in recent years, but with the departure of key players, there are questions about who will step up to protect the quarterback and open lanes for the running game.
3.1 Key Returners
Notre Dame returns a solid core of offensive linemen, including key players like Joe Alt, a potential All-American at left tackle, and Zeke Correll, who has experience at center. These veterans provide a strong foundation for the Irish, but the line will need to find new faces to step up at other positions, particularly at right tackle and guard.
3.2 The Battle for the Right Side
The right side of the offensive line is where the competition is likely to be the most intense. Notre Dame will be looking for players to emerge as starters at both right guard and right tackle. Players like Blake Fisher, who started last season, and Andrew Kristofic, who has experience in the rotation, will likely compete for those spots. The key will be finding the right combinations that provide both power in the running game and stability in pass protection.
3.3 The Importance of Cohesion
As with any offensive line, cohesion and communication are crucial. The Irish will need to ensure that their offensive line is not just talented but also well-coached and able to execute the scheme effectively. With new faces expected to play a prominent role, offensive line coach Harry Hiestand will have his hands full in building a cohesive unit that can protect whichever quarterback wins the job and open running lanes for a talented backfield.
