If there’s one thing Marcus Freeman made clear in his opening spring press conference, it’s that Notre Dame is looking inward for its next quarterback. While the backup to CJ Carr is still up for grabs, Freeman’s vision for the future is crystal clear: the next starting quarterback should already be part of the Notre Dame family, not a transfer.
Freeman didn’t mince words about the program’s direction. “I have a strong conviction… that our next starting quarterback - which could be this year if something happens to CJ - is right here in this program.” In today’s college football world, where the transfer portal is buzzing with quarterback movement, Freeman’s stance is a bold one.
From Necessity to Preference
To appreciate this shift, we need to look at Notre Dame’s recent history. When Freeman took over, the quarterback situation was a patchwork of uneven recruiting, forcing the Irish to dip into the transfer portal. In 2023, Sam Hartman came in to stabilize the position, followed by Riley Leonard, who led a playoff charge that ended just short of a championship.
These moves were necessary at the time, but Freeman is looking to change that narrative. With a talented, homegrown quarterback room now in place, Notre Dame is ready to focus on developing its own talent.
Building from Within
Freeman’s preference is clear: cultivate quarterbacks internally rather than relying on the portal. “I want to continue to major in developing our quarterbacks in-house and not having to go get a transfer portal quarterback,” he stated.
However, Freeman isn’t shutting the door on the portal entirely. If a top-tier quarterback shows interest, Notre Dame will consider it. But the aim is to build continuity and leadership within the team, rather than resetting every year with new transfers.
Letting the Competition Unfold
This philosophy is shaping Notre Dame’s current quarterback competition. Behind Carr, players like Blake Hebert and Noah Grubbs are being evaluated, with Teddy Jarrard joining the fray this summer. Freeman is focused on letting this competition play out naturally.
“You’ll put these guys in game-like situations, see how they perform… and let them compete,” Freeman explained. This approach requires patience, but for the first time in Freeman’s tenure, Notre Dame is in a position to do just that without immediate external solutions.
Evaluating the Future
Freeman knows that results will ultimately determine if this strategy works. “You’ve got to get through the season and evaluate.
Do we believe the future starting quarterback is here in this program?” he said.
The commitment to internal development is strong, but flexible. If needed, the portal remains a backup plan.
Developing Identity and Culture
Freeman’s strategy is about more than just filling a position; it’s about building a program identity. Developing quarterbacks internally fosters continuity and allows players to grow within the same system, strengthening relationships with coaches and teammates. It also emphasizes the importance of recruiting and development, key areas for Freeman.
By nurturing leadership from within, Notre Dame can avoid the constant resets that come with relying on transfers. After seasons of doing just that, stability at quarterback becomes invaluable.
A Defining Moment
As Notre Dame progresses through spring practice and into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Carr and his development. However, the evaluation of the quarterback room is equally crucial.
Freeman’s preference is clear: the next leader should come from within. Now, it’s up to the players to prove that this belief is well-placed.