Projecting Notre Dame Football’s Offensive Depth Chart After Two Weeks of Fall Camp With Key Battles Defining the Season Ahead
Two weeks into fall camp, the conversations swirling around Notre Dame football have shifted from offseason speculation to tangible observations about who is emerging, who is sliding, and who is ready to seize their role when the 2025 season kicks off. The Irish entered camp with one of the deepest rosters they have fielded in years, loaded with experience in the trenches, high-upside skill players, and a fascinating mix of quarterbacks vying for control of the huddle. The picture is not complete, but patterns are starting to form. Coaches are getting answers to the questions that have lingered since spring, and fans are beginning to envision how the depth chart will look when Notre Dame takes the field.
Projecting an offensive depth chart at this stage requires balancing what is known with what is still fluid. Some positions are all but locked in—veteran linemen and proven running backs give the Irish stability where they need it most. Other spots remain battlegrounds, with talented underclassmen pushing veterans and coaches weighing immediate reliability against long-term upside. This is the nature of fall camp: a crucible where expectations are either confirmed or challenged.
The quarterback position naturally dominates every projection. CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey remain the central figures of that discussion. Carr, the gifted freshman with impeccable mechanics and high football IQ, has dazzled in moments, displaying the anticipation and accuracy that made him such a coveted recruit. Minchey, on the other hand, has carried himself with the poise of a player who has been in the system longer, showing efficiency and consistency in scrimmages. The coaching staff has been deliberate about not rushing the decision, but two weeks into camp the separation remains narrow. Carr’s ceiling is undeniable, yet Minchey’s steadiness has kept him firmly in contention. For now, it appears Minchey might have the edge to start, with Carr waiting in the wings, but the gap is slim enough that another strong week could tip the balance.
At running back, Notre Dame enters the season with enviable depth. The Irish have become known in recent years for their ability to churn out physical backs who combine power and vision, and this year is no different. The lead role seems firmly in the hands of Jeremiyah Love, whose blend of speed and explosiveness makes him a constant threat to break a long run. Love has demonstrated in camp that he is more than just a change-of-pace weapon; his vision and toughness between the tackles have improved significantly. Behind him, Gi’Bran Payne continues to carve out a reliable role, offering a balanced skill set that allows him to contribute on all three downs. Freshman Kedren Young has also made noise, flashing glimpses of why coaches are so high on his long-term potential. With depth like this, Notre Dame will likely rotate, but Love is emerging as the lead back who sets the tone.
Wide receiver has long been a position of both scrutiny and hope for the Irish, and this camp has only intensified that spotlight. The standout so far has been Jaden Greathouse, whose route-running and physicality have made him nearly uncoverable in practice. Greathouse looks poised to take on the role of dependable chain-mover, the kind of target quarterbacks trust on third down. Alongside him, freshman phenom Cam Williams has generated buzz with his speed and ability to stretch defenses vertically. Though young, Williams’ natural talent is too dynamic to keep off the field, and coaches will find ways to get him involved early. Tobias Merriweather, now a veteran presence, has flashed more consistency and could serve as the steady outside threat. The receiver room still has work to do in proving itself against live defenses, but the pieces are aligning in a way Notre Dame fans have long hoped for.
Tight end remains a pillar of the Irish offense, even in a transitional period after the departure of All-American caliber talent. Mitchell Evans is the unquestioned leader of the group, and his presence has been steady through camp. His size and catch radius make him a reliable red zone weapon, and his blocking has continued to improve. Holden Staes has also impressed, offering versatility that allows Notre Dame to deploy multiple tight end sets without sacrificing explosiveness. The Irish tradition at tight end appears in good hands, with depth and flexibility to keep defenses guessing.
The offensive line, as always at Notre Dame, is the heartbeat of the offense. After two weeks of camp, the projected starting five is beginning to solidify. Joe Alt may be gone to the NFL, but the Irish still boast size and talent across the line. Blake Fisher anchors one tackle spot, bringing experience and power, while Charles Jagusah has stepped up at the other tackle, showing growth in both technique and confidence. Inside, veterans like Pat Coogan and Billy Schrauth provide stability, with Rocco Spindler pushing hard for snaps as well. Center remains a critical spot, and it looks like Ashton Craig has gained the trust of the staff with his communication and command of protections. Depth is strong, with younger linemen waiting for their chance, but the starting unit appears to be gelling quickly—a necessity given the schedule that awaits.
If there is a theme to this year’s camp so far, it is competition fueling growth. Younger players have not shied away from challenging veterans, and veterans have responded by raising their level of play. That dynamic has elevated the offense as a whole. Coaches have stressed versatility, moving players around to test their adaptability. Wideouts have been asked to learn multiple spots, backs have been drilled in pass protection as much as running lanes, and linemen have rotated across positions to prepare for any scenario. The result is a roster that feels deeper and more cohesive than in recent seasons.
There is also a sense of urgency surrounding this depth chart projection. Notre Dame knows that its early-season opponents will not allow time to slowly figure things out. The Irish must be ready from day one, which means the coaching staff is using every rep of camp to sharpen roles and responsibilities. The margin for error is slim, and the players understand that every practice rep counts toward who will see the field in the opener.
When the projected depth chart is pieced together after two weeks of camp, it looks something like this: Minchey with a slight lead at quarterback, Love as the feature back, Greathouse and Williams headlining the receivers, Evans as the top tight end, and a line anchored by Fisher, Jagusah, Coogan, Schrauth, and Craig. Behind them, capable backups are waiting, from Carr at quarterback to Payne and Young at running back, to Staes at tight end and Merriweather at receiver. Depth at every spot means the Irish can withstand injuries and fatigue, but it also means the internal competition will continue right up to kickoff.
Of course, depth charts are living documents, not final verdicts. A strong week can change the trajectory of a player’s season, and injuries can reshape the lineup in an instant. But after two weeks, the outline is clear enough to provide a glimpse of what is to come. This offense has the talent to be balanced, explosive, and efficient, provided the quarterback position finds stability. If the offensive line plays to its potential and the skill positions continue to develop chemistry, Notre Dame could field one of its most complete offenses in years.
The optimism is palpable, though it is measured by the realities of college football. Potential must translate into production, and camp highlights mean little if they do not carry over into games. Still, the progress observed in two weeks offers a reason for hope. Notre Dame has answers at most positions, depth in critical spots, and a coaching staff that appears committed to pushing the right buttons. The uncertainty at quarterback looms largest, but even that feels less like a crisis and more like a choice between good options.
Two weeks into camp, the Irish are not finished refining their identity, but the picture is sharper than before. The depth chart is taking shape, and with it comes the anticipation of what this offense can become. Notre Dame has built the kind of foundation that gives reason to believe this season could be special. The final weeks of preparation will determine how ready they are to seize it, but for now, the projection suggests an offense with both the talent and the depth to compete at the highest level.
