Notre Dame Four-Star Quarterback Target Teddy Jarrard Sets Commitment Date as Irish Pursue Future Leader for Post-CJ Carr Era
The future of Notre Dame football is already taking shape with the 2025 season looming, but as the Fighting Irish prepare to kick off a pivotal campaign, the coaching staff is also laying critical groundwork for the years ahead. Nowhere is that more evident than at the quarterback position, where Notre Dame has identified four-star recruit Teddy Jarrard as a top target in the 2026 cycle. With Jarrard officially announcing his commitment date, the Irish are closer than ever to knowing whether the potential next face of their offense will call South Bend home.
Jarrard, a standout from Buford High School in Georgia, has scheduled his college commitment for August 10. The announcement will be broadcast live on his social media channels, and he is expected to choose from a group of finalists that includes Notre Dame, Georgia, Tennessee, and Michigan. While all four schools have made strong pushes, sources around the recruiting world suggest that Notre Dame has gained serious momentum in recent weeks, thanks to a combination of offensive vision, strong relationships, and a clear plan for Jarrard’s future development.
At 6-foot-3 and around 210 pounds, Jarrard is exactly the kind of quarterback profile Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker covet. He combines a big arm with mobility, football IQ, and a reputation as a leader both on and off the field. He’s not just a physical specimen—he’s a quarterback who understands how to manage a game, read defenses, and inspire confidence in teammates. With elite camps and summer visits behind him, Jarrard now feels ready to make his college decision. For Notre Dame, landing him would be a massive win, especially in light of the program’s shifting quarterback landscape.
The current starter, CJ Carr, is entering his freshman season in 2025 amid massive expectations and fanfare. If Carr lives up to his potential, he could be the program’s starting quarterback for at least the next two to three seasons, making the 2026 quarterback commitment more about the long game than immediate playing time. Jarrard understands that—and according to those close to him, he’s not deterred by Carr’s presence. In fact, the opportunity to develop behind a quarterback like Carr, within Notre Dame’s system, is one of the things that’s made the Irish so appealing.
Notre Dame has also been aggressive in its recruitment of Jarrard from the beginning. Unlike some programs that came in late, the Irish staff offered early and stayed consistent, bringing Jarrard to campus multiple times and making him feel like a top priority. He’s built strong relationships with Freeman, Parker, and quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli, who has taken a lead role in mapping out Jarrard’s development plan. The message has been clear: Jarrard would not just be a depth piece—he would be groomed as the next starter, the quarterback to usher in the post-CJ Carr era and carry the Irish through the back half of the decade.
That vision has resonated. Jarrard’s camp has praised Notre Dame’s honesty and transparency throughout the process, especially when it comes to timelines and expectations. The Irish haven’t promised instant stardom—they’ve promised opportunity, structure, and a pathway to greatness. And for a quarterback who thinks long-term, that’s more than enough.
Still, the battle is far from over. Georgia remains a serious contender, with Jarrard growing up just an hour from Athens. The Bulldogs have a strong quarterback room but are known for rotating talent through quickly and consistently. Jarrard would likely compete with multiple other high-profile recruits there. Tennessee, meanwhile, is pitching an offensive system built on tempo, big plays, and vertical passing—something that suits Jarrard’s big arm. Michigan is also in the mix, touting recent playoff appearances and a legacy of tough, winning football.
But Notre Dame has one thing the others don’t: the perfect balance of academic prestige, NFL preparation, and a clear, ascending trajectory under Freeman. The 2026 class, already shaping up as one of Freeman’s best, could include some elite pass catchers and linemen who make the job even more attractive. The staff has told Jarrard he could be the “centerpiece” of the class, and that’s a pitch that’s hard to turn down.
Jarrard’s decision will also carry significant weight for Notre Dame’s broader recruiting strategy. Quarterback commitments often serve as the glue that holds a class together. Once a program lands a top-tier QB, it can begin locking down elite receivers, running backs, and offensive linemen who want to play with a future star. If Jarrard picks the Irish, expect a ripple effect. He’s well connected among top-tier 2026 recruits, and several blue-chip players have hinted that they’d consider Notre Dame more seriously if Jarrard were in the fold.
His commitment would also provide long-term security at the sport’s most important position. In recent years, Notre Dame has done well to patch together strong quarterback play with transfers, but the staff knows that real championship contention comes with building from within. By landing Carr in 2024 and potentially Jarrard in 2026, Freeman and company would be sending a strong message that Notre Dame is no longer chasing quarterback talent—it’s cultivating it.
Of course, nothing is certain until the commitment is made. Recruiting can be unpredictable, and even verbal commitments are just the beginning of a long process toward National Signing Day. But Jarrard’s demeanor suggests that his decision will be thoughtful and final. He’s not one to flip-flop or draw out the process. If he chooses Notre Dame on August 10, it would likely signal a firm, foundational piece for the program’s future.
Looking ahead, the Irish have to prepare for all outcomes. If they land Jarrard, they’ll shift focus to building around him and locking down other offensive pieces in the class. If they miss, they’ll need to quickly pivot to secondary targets and keep the quarterback pipeline strong. There are other options available—Notre Dame has offered a handful of high-level prospects in the class—but few carry the combination of upside, personality, and fit that Jarrard offers.
For now, the program and its fanbase can only wait. Jarrard’s decision will be one of the most important recruiting moments of the summer. It’s not just about one player—it’s about momentum, identity, and the direction Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame is heading in. With back-to-back potential stars at quarterback, Notre Dame could soon shed the narrative of inconsistency at the position and enter a new era of stability and success.
Teddy Jarrard knows what’s at stake. He understands the weight of his decision. And on August 10, he’ll make the call that could help shape the future of Notre Dame football for years to come. Whether he chooses South Bend or not, his decision will be closely watched, heavily debated, and widely impactful. For now, all eyes turn to one name and one date—as the Irish wait to see if their future quarterback is ready to join the family.
