Notre Dame won big this offseason with the news of four-star quarterback Teddy Jarrard reclassifying from 2027 to 2026. This means that Jarrard is heading to South Bend early, and it sounds like he is ready for a competition many don't think will happen.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Notre Dame starting quarterback job was in the air, and it was between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey. It was tight until the end with many reports going both ways, but Carr ended up pulling ahead late and landing the job from head coach Marcus Freeman. Minchey sat behind Carr all season long and then decided to enter the transfer portal, which was a surprise to no one.
With the way Carr looked this season, it feels like he has the starting QB job locked up until he is ready to relinquish it to someone else. However, it seems like Jarrard believes a competition will be waiting for him once he gets to South Bend.
4-star QB Teddy Jarrard believes reclassification gives him best chance to play early
While to many it feels like the quarterback position is locked up for CJ Carr in 2026, Teddy Jarrard believes he can come in and shake things up. On Saturday, Jarrard played in the Under Armor Next All-American game, and when interviewed at halftime, he made a statement that should get Notre Dame fans fired up.
"It was a tough decision, but overall, my development is going to be huge this next year," Jarrard said. "I think the way the depth chart worked out, the way it's going to compete with CJ Carr there, it's going to give me the best chance to play early."
Incoming Notre Dame freshman quarterback Teddy Jarrard, who reclassified from 2027 to 2026, says he's excited to get on campus and "compete with CJ Carr."
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) January 4, 2026
Confidence is a prerequisite for a QB1. Jarrard has it. His progression will be fun to follow.pic.twitter.com/ITDfPJO9Sv
It sounds like Jarrard is ready to come in an truly compete for that starting position and maybe even take it away from Carr. There is always something to be said that no position is safe and it must be earned, but it feels like Carr certainly earned it already with his play in 2025.
However, ot hear a young guy like Jarrard that seems very ready to get to South Bend and compete shoudl fire up fans and the coaching staff. It is clear the Freeman is getting a guy that wants to put int he work and even try to get his Notre Dame career started very early.