Irish Reload: 2025 Brings Quarterback Battle and Big Expectations,As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes in South Bend are fixed firmly on Notre Dame’s quarterback room, where a full-fledged battle for the starting job is set to dominate headlines. After a rollercoaster 2024 season that saw flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency, the Irish are poised for a reload—not a rebuild—as a new chapter begins under center. Expectations are sky-high, and with good reason.Head coach Marcus Freeman enters his fourth season with a team loaded with talent, depth, and urgency. While the defense remains stout and the offensive line boasts a blend of veterans and blue-chip newcomers, the quarterback position is the missing puzzle piece that could transform the Irish from playoff hopefuls into legitimate national title contenders.The battle for QB1 features an intriguing mix of experience and potential. Leading the charge is junior Steve Angeli, who impressed in limited action last season. Angeli has a strong arm, solid pocket presence, and most importantly, a thorough understanding of the system. He’s the “safe” choice—steady, reliable, and respected by teammates. But is “safe” enough when you’re chasing a national title?Challenging him is redshirt freshman CJ Carr, the highly-touted recruit and legacy player whose arrival sparked a wave of excitement across the fanbase. Carr, the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr (yes, irony is alive and well), brings an electric arm, dual-threat ability, and the kind of swagger that Notre Dame fans haven’t seen at quarterback in years. The coaching staff has been cautious in their praise but has made it clear that Carr will be given every opportunity to win the job.Add to that mix true freshman Malik Jackson, an early enrollee with jaw-dropping athleticism and an “it factor” that has already turned heads during spring practices. While Jackson may still be a year away from serious contention, don’t be surprised if he makes a push in the fall.The competition isn’t just good for headlines—it’s good for the program. Freeman has emphasized that “iron sharpens iron,” and he’s made it clear that the job will be earned, not handed out based on hype or seniority. It’s a refreshing tone that signals Notre Dame’s commitment to excellence and not just tradition.Outside of the quarterback room, the Irish are stacked. The defense, led by a ferocious front seven and a veteran secondary, will be among the best in the nation. The running game, bolstered by a deep backfield and a retooled offensive line, should provide balance. And with new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock returning to South Bend, the playbook promises to be more aggressive and creative.The stakes are high. Notre Dame’s fanbase is hungry—not just for 10-win seasons and bowl appearances, but for playoff victories and a legitimate shot at a national championship. The pieces are there. The culture is shifting. Now it’s about execution, leadership, and finding that one player who can take the snaps and carry the weight of an entire program’s hopes on his shoulders.Quarterback battles may be nothing new in college football, but in 2025, the Irish aren’t just picking a starter—they’re choosing their destiny.
