As Notre Dame heads into the early stages of the 2025 football season, one of the most compelling storylines is the ongoing competition for the starting quarterback spot between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey.

Both players have the potential to lead the Fighting Irish offense, but the decision on who earns the starting nod is far from clear.

Alongside this quarterback battle, another intriguing storyline is the offensive line composition, as the team looks to shore up one of its most important units.

CJ Carr vs. Kenny Minchey: The Quarterback Battle

CJ Carr, a highly regarded recruit from the 2024 class, is the son of former Notre Dame quarterback and current NFL assistant coach, Jason Carr. CJ Carr has garnered attention for his strong arm, poise in the pocket, and football IQ.

Entering his sophomore season, Carr’s development over the previous year will be critical as he competes with Minchey for the starting role.

Despite being a freshman, Carr has the pedigree and natural talent to thrive in Marcus Freeman’s system. His ability to process defenses quickly and make throws down the field gives him a lot of upside for the Irish offense.

On the other side is Kenny Minchey, a transfer from the University of Pittsburgh who brings both experience and a competitive edge to the competition. Minchey started a number of games during his time with the Panthers and displayed a solid command of the offense.

His experience at the collegiate level could give him a slight edge over Carr, especially in terms of managing the game and dealing with high-pressure situations. Minchey’s maturity and ability to read defenses quickly are aspects that have caught the attention of Notre Dame’s coaching staff.

His consistency and leadership in spring practices will be key factors in determining whether he can secure the starting job over the promising, yet less experienced, Carr.

The competition between Carr and Minchey will likely come down to the nuances of game management and the ability to execute in critical moments.

If Carr can prove he’s ready for the big stage despite his youth, he could be given the reins of the offense.

However, if Minchey’s experience proves to be a decisive factor, he may get the nod for the start of the season. Regardless of who wins the job, the Irish will need strong play from whichever quarterback takes the field.

Offensive Line: A Key Component for Success

In addition to the quarterback battle, Notre Dame’s offensive line remains an area of intrigue. Known for producing top-tier linemen in recent years, the Irish will have to replace a few key players from previous seasons.

The offensive line’s performance will be crucial in protecting whichever quarterback emerges as the starter and establishing a dominant run game.

The 2025 season could see a new face or two in the starting lineup. Players like Blake Fisher and Joe Alt, both of whom have been highly praised for their potential, could play pivotal roles in anchoring the offensive line.

Fisher, in particular, has shown promise as a dominant force at tackle, while Alt has earned his spot as one of the most highly sought-after prospects. Their development in the offseason will be crucial for the team’s success.

One intriguing development is the potential use of a versatile offensive lineman, who may be asked to move positions depending on the needs of the team.

This flexibility could give Notre Dame more options as they face formidable opponents in 2025. With talented players and a deep pool of recruits, the Irish offensive line has the potential to be a major strength.

Ultimately, the combination of a strong offensive line and efficient quarterback play could make the Fighting Irish a legitimate contender in 2025. As the competition at quarterback heats up, the line’s ability to protect and create running lanes will be critical to whoever gets the start behind center.