CJ Carr’s Breakout Season Has Notre Dame Thinking Big for 2026
While Notre Dame’s running backs drew plenty of national headlines in 2025, it was redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr who quietly - and then not so quietly - helped turn the Irish offense into one of the most balanced and explosive units in the country. In a season where experience often separates contenders from pretenders, Carr played well beyond his years, showing the kind of poise, football IQ, and command of the offense that you don’t typically see from a first-year starter.
Even with Jeremiyah Love carrying the load on the ground, Carr carved out his own spotlight - earning a spot in the “Heisman Top 10” for much of the season. And after putting together one of the most impressive debut campaigns in recent Irish memory, he’s already looking like a legitimate Heisman frontrunner heading into 2026.
Carr by the Numbers
Let’s talk production. Carr completed 195 of his 293 pass attempts - a sharp 67% completion rate - for 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
Those are big-time numbers for any quarterback, let alone one making his first collegiate starts. He also added three rushing touchdowns on 41 carries, though sack yardage pulled his net rushing total down to 33 yards.
His play didn’t go unnoticed. Carr was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, a finalist for the Manning Award, and a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award. That’s elite company, and it speaks volumes about how quickly he’s climbed the national radar.
From QB Battle to QB1
It’s easy to forget now, but heading into the season opener, there was still a real debate among Notre Dame fans about whether Carr or Kenny Minchey should get the starting nod. That conversation didn’t last long. After Week 1, it was clear that head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock had made the right call.
Carr was thrown into the fire right away, opening his career on the road in a hostile environment against Miami. The Hurricanes’ crowd brought the energy - a rare sellout at Hard Rock Stadium - and Carr took some lumps, as you'd expect.
But even in that setting, the flashes were there. Next year, Miami comes to South Bend, and that one’s already shaping up to be a revenge game circled on Carr’s calendar.
A Changing of the Guard in the Backfield
Notre Dame’s identity remains rooted in a physical, run-first approach, but with Love and Jadarian Price likely heading to the NFL, the offense could tilt more in Carr’s direction in 2026. Aneyas Williams is expected to step into the lead back role, and while he brings plenty of talent, the Irish may lean more on Carr’s arm and decision-making to drive the offense.
The receiving corps should be much deeper next season, too. Jaden Greathouse, who missed most of 2025, is expected back alongside Jordan Faison, KK Smith, Cam Williams, and Elijah Burress.
Add in Devin Fitzgerald, a 2026 commit, and there’s a solid mix of returning talent and young upside. And don’t be surprised if Freeman and his staff dip into the transfer portal to add another experienced target.
But what really sets the Irish up for success is the offensive line. Notre Dame could return one of the most dominant front fives in the nation, with Anthonie Knapp, Billy Schrauth, Ashton Craig, Guerry Lambert, Sullivan Absher, Aamil Wagner, and Charles Jagusah all potentially back in the fold. That kind of continuity and talent in the trenches is a quarterback’s best friend - and a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare.
Heisman Watch: Carr’s Name Is Already in the Mix
Notre Dame hasn’t had a Heisman winner since Tim Brown in 1987, but that drought could be nearing its end. Carr’s name is already being tossed around as a 2026 contender, and for good reason.
The Irish just had a top-three Heisman finisher in Jeremiyah Love, joining Brady Quinn (3rd in 2006) and Manti Te’o (2nd in 2012) as recent finalists. Carr could be the next to break through.
Mike Denbrock has already coached a Heisman winner in Jayden Daniels at LSU, and now he has another elite dual-threat quarterback under his wing. With a favorable schedule next fall and a loaded supporting cast, Carr won’t just be on the watchlist - he’ll be near the top of it.
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame’s final game of the season - a road matchup at Stanford - may have been the last time Irish fans saw Carr, Love, Price, and Malachi Fields on the field together. That’s a lot of firepower potentially exiting stage left. But if Marcus Freeman returns, and all signs point to that being the case, the Irish should be right back in the national conversation in 2026.
This team has been knocking on the door for the last few years. With Carr taking the reins and a chip likely on their shoulder after how this season ended, don’t expect Notre Dame to leave its playoff fate in the hands of a committee next time around.
The Irish will be back on the field before you know it. And when they are, all eyes will be on No. 1 - because CJ Carr isn’t just the future of Notre Dame football. He’s the present.