Spring Surge: Inside Notre Dame’s Quarterback Progress and Rising Young Stars

The arrival of spring in South Bend marks more than just a change in weather—it signals the ramp-up of football intensity at Notre Dame. With every rep, every snap, and every coaching adjustment, the Fighting Irish edge closer to shaping what could be a special 2024 season. This year’s spring practices have been full of intrigue, particularly surrounding the quarterback room and a cast of rising underclassmen ready to make their mark. The buzz is building around the Golden Dome, and for good reason—this is a team both grounded in tradition and brimming with emerging talent.

Perhaps the most closely monitored storyline this spring is the battle at quarterback. With the departure of Sam Hartman to the NFL Draft, all eyes have turned to the future of the position. CJ Carr, the heralded freshman phenom, and veteran Steve Angeli have taken center stage in this competition, creating one of the most compelling positional battles in recent Notre Dame memory. Carr, a five-star recruit with strong football lineage and laser-sharp poise, has turned heads from day one of camp. His maturity, decision-making, and deep-ball accuracy have consistently drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike.

What separates Carr isn’t just his arm—it’s his command. Despite being a true freshman, he’s shown a remarkable ability to lead the offense, absorb complex playbooks, and adjust in real time during live reps. Quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have been vocal about Carr’s rapid development. In one particular scrimmage, Carr orchestrated a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that showcased his feel for the game and ability to throw on the run.

On the flip side, Angeli isn’t going quietly. The redshirt sophomore has experience in the system, a deeper rapport with the returning skill players, and a quiet confidence that’s showing up in his play. While Carr garners the hype, Angeli’s consistency can’t be overlooked. He’s protected the ball well, shown improvement in pocket presence, and made several big throws under pressure. The quarterback competition is not about a veteran holding off a younger player—it’s about two quality QBs pushing each other toward excellence.

Beyond the quarterbacks, there’s a real buzz around Notre Dame’s underclassmen, especially on the defensive side. Sophomore linebacker Drayk Bowen, who flashed potential last season, has been one of the spring’s biggest risers. His sideline-to-sideline range, nose for the ball, and physicality in the run game have made him a mainstay with the first-team defense. Coaches have also been experimenting with him in pass-rush situations, and he’s responded with a few impressive sacks in live drills.

Defensive back Christian Gray, another sophomore, has made his case for serious playing time in the fall. With Benjamin Morrison already entrenched as a star corner, Gray’s emergence gives the Irish a legitimate one-two punch in the secondary. His quick feet, anticipation, and ball-tracking skills have led to multiple pass breakups this spring. The coaching staff has noticed his physical development, and his ability to press at the line and hold up in man coverage is gaining trust.

The defensive line has also seen flashes from early enrollee Bryce Young, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Bryant Young. Though raw, his motor and strength are undeniable. In drills, he’s been able to split double teams and has made his presence felt in goal-line packages. While he may not start right away, he’s forcing his way into the rotation discussion sooner than expected.

On offense, wide receiver Micah Gilbert is a name to watch. The freshman has been fearless in his route running and possesses soft hands and exceptional body control. With Jayden Thomas and Tobias Merriweather returning, Gilbert may carve out a niche as a slot weapon or situational third-down target. The chemistry between him and Carr—both part of the same recruiting class—has been noticeable, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that connection translate into early-season production.

Running back Jeremiyah Love, another sophomore, is on the verge of a breakout season. His explosiveness and versatility have been on full display this spring. Whether taking handoffs, catching passes out of the backfield, or even returning kicks, Love looks like one of the most dynamic players on the roster. With Audric Estime off to the NFL, Love is poised to become the featured back, and his ability to turn the corner or bounce off tackles gives Notre Dame’s offense a home-run threat on every down.

The offensive line, long a point of pride for the Irish, is seeing a youth movement as well. Freshman Peter Jones and redshirt freshman Charles Jagusah are pushing for inclusion in the two-deep rotation. Jones, in particular, has shown promise at guard with his tenacity and hand placement. While the starting five is mostly veteran-laden, the young talent behind them ensures the unit remains one of the deepest in the country.

Leadership is also beginning to emerge across the board. JD Bertrand’s departure left a void, but Howard Cross III and Jack Kiser have stepped into those leadership roles defensively. On offense, tight end Mitchell Evans continues to be a vocal and emotional leader, especially with younger receivers finding their footing. Evans has embraced a mentorship role while continuing to hone his craft as one of the best all-around tight ends in college football.

From a schematic standpoint, Mike Denbrock’s return as offensive coordinator has injected new energy and creativity into the unit. His familiarity with Notre Dame, combined with his success at LSU, is already being felt. The offense is featuring more pre-snap motion, layered route concepts, and up-tempo sequences that maximize Carr’s quick processing and mobility. Denbrock’s scheme also allows players like Love and Evans to be utilized in multiple roles, creating mismatches and exploiting defensive tendencies.

Defensively, Al Golden has emphasized attacking the quarterback and creating turnovers. The Irish were solid defensively last year, but there’s a new urgency to be disruptive. That’s shown up in the spring with an uptick in sacks, tackles for loss, and defensive scores in team scrimmages. Golden has also mixed personnel in creative ways, allowing linebackers to drop into coverage or rush from disguised packages.

With the spring game on the horizon, the Irish are clearly trending in a positive direction. The competition at quarterback remains open, but both Carr and Angeli have shown they can lead the team. The defense looks faster, deeper, and more aggressive. And perhaps most importantly, a strong core of underclassmen is pushing the veterans and showing that Notre Dame’s future is as bright as ever.

Spring is always a time for growth and optimism, but this year it feels particularly significant in South Bend. The pieces are coming together. The energy is high. And with the continued development of young talent and a quarterback room that’s raising the bar, Notre Dame is preparing not just for another good season—but for a championship-caliber run.