Marcus Freeman is stepping into a season filled with promise and a sense of stability at Notre Dame. With CJ Carr returning as the starting quarterback, the Fighting Irish are poised for a strong campaign.
Carr, a redshirt sophomore, impressed last season by throwing for 2,741 yards, completing over 66 percent of his passes, and notching 24 touchdowns alongside seven interceptions. He also added three rushing scores to his resume.
Freeman, speaking with JD Pickell from On3, expressed his excitement about having Carr back under center. "It's exciting," Freeman shared.
"Having a returning starting quarterback and all three coordinators back brings a level of comfort. We know who they are, and they know our schemes.
There's confidence, but the work continues."
Carr's standout first season has sparked comparisons to Notre Dame legends, with some touting him as a potential Heisman favorite. Freeman, however, has always seen Carr's potential.
"He's prepared," Freeman said. "From day one, he's shown the dedication you'd expect from a coach's kid.
There's no finish line for him, and that's exciting."
Freeman is eager to see Carr elevate his leadership this spring. Known for his no-look touchdown pass against Miami, Carr is pushing himself and his teammates to improve.
"He's making those around him better," Freeman noted. "He's organizing sessions with wideouts, tight ends, and running backs, ensuring they're all on the same page."
Carr's journey is supported by a stable coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, along with Chris Ash on defense and Marty Biagi on special teams, are all returning.
This continuity is a first for Freeman. "In previous years, I was focused on understanding new schemes," Freeman explained.
"This year, I don't have to spend as much time on that because the coordinators are back."
With a seasoned quarterback and a cohesive coaching team, Notre Dame is set to tackle the upcoming season with confidence and high expectations.