Notre Dame football seems intent on portal Sam Hartman replacement

Notre Dame football coaches seem to think that their starting quarterback in 2024 is not on the roster yet and will be coming through a transfer.

Now that the Notre Dame football season is officially winding down, Marcus Freeman and company are thinking about what comes next. More specifically, they are thinking about who comes after Sam Hartman.

At the moment, it appears whoever is going to be the starting quarterback for Notre Dame football in 2024, he’s not a member of the Fighting Irish today. Despite the Golden Domers having a very good quarterback coming in as a true freshman next year in CJ, it doesn’t appear it will be him either. At least that’s not the plan today.

During Marcus Freeman’s last press conference of the week heading into the Pittsburgh game, the head coach talked a bit of light on what he and his coaches are thinking about next season.

His response doesn’t shed a ton of light on what direction they’re leaning. At least not on their face:

"“All options right now are in consideration.”"

Freeman added that he “liked the development” of sophomore quarterback Steve Angeli and freshman Kenny Minchey. However, what wasn’t said but seems to be underneath the comment is that “all options” also means a transfer quarterback.

Notre Dame football looking at the portal?

While Carr, Angeli and Minchey are all tantalizing options, talent wise, it makes perfect sense that the Fighting Irish would go after a transfer portal quarterback again. The Golden Domers believe they are positioned for a playoff run in the near future.

It’s hard to know that and be comfortable putting the program on the shoulders of guys that have 16 combined career college football snaps. Especially when someone like Riley Leonard might be out there.

Freeman went on to say that he and his coaches will evaluate next steps during Notre Dame football’s next bye week. Keep an eye on movement there.