Notre Dame fans were hoping to see Jeremiyah Love hoist the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, but as it usually does, the award went to yet another quarterback. Love sadly didn't even finish second, but a distant third behind winner Fernando Mendoza and runner-up Diego Pavia.
While fans may think Love deserved the award, it typically goes to a quarterback, and now the Irish have some hope for next season. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr had an amazing first season as the starter for the Irish and should have been able to lead the team to the College Football Playoff. Instead, the committee snubbed the Irish, and Carr's first season as the starter ended abruptly.
With the Heisman Trophy being awarded, of course, it makes sense to already start looking ahead and the "Way-too-early 2026 Heisman odds," as to what fans should do. The good news for Notre Dame fans is that Carr made the list with a multitude of other players.
ESPN names Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr a way-too-early 2026 Heisman Trophy candidate. pic.twitter.com/hUC4gEomGc
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) December 14, 2025
CJ Carr has a real chance at bringing home the 2026 Heisman Trophy
What CJ Carr did in his first season as a starter, especially after the team lost its first two games, was extremely impressive. Some Notre Dame fans would maybe argue that Carr should have been a part of the Heisman conversation this season.
However, his age and two losses didn't help Carr's odds, plus Love deserved that recognition first. Carr had to battle for his starting position before the season even started, but head coach Marcus Freeman trusted his young QB to lead the offense, and he did it pretty much seamlessly.
Carr threw for a touchdown pass in all 12 starts this season and finished the year with 2,741 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and only six interceptions with a 66.6% completion rate. He always used his legs a little bit, with 33 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
All Carr has to do is improve on those numbers in 2026, and he could easily be a part of the Heisman conversation, especially if Notre Dame remains a top team next season.