Notre Dame football has one of the best QB rooms: Depth, talent, and bright futures

It's been a while since Notre Dame football fans have had reason to be excited about not just the current QB but also the future of the position. Marcus Freeman has excelled on the recruiting trail (and through the portal), prioritizing the most important position on the field.

Heading into the fall, the Fighting Irish arguably has one of the best QB rooms in the nation with former Duke QB Riley Leonard, Junior Steve Angeli, Sophomore Kenny Minchey, and Freshman C.J. Carr. Some may think I’m crazy given other teams' top quarterbacks, but the Irish have talent and depth from one through four.

Riley Leonard: The veteran leader for Notre Dame Football

Leonard brings leadership, experience, and versatility as a two-year starter for the Blue Devils, where he was a 2023 Team Captain, a 2022 Honorable Mention All-ACC selection, and ranked as the No. 14 and No. 20 dual-threat QB by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com, respectively.

Having Mike Denbrock calling the offense should bode well for the Irish and Riley’s development. The Maxwell Award watch list nominee has the talent and potential to lead Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff but needs to stay healthy. Leonard’s experience and poise in high-stakes situations will be crucial for Notre Dame, guiding the team through a challenging schedule.

Steve Angeli : The emerging talent at Notre Dame

Angeli, a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals, was third string during his freshman year in 2022. In 2023, he sat behind transfer QB Sam Hartman, who Angeli credits with his development. “...His process definitely helped me just kind of learn those little secrets. All went into the preparation that I kind of took the mindset every day at practice, like I’m preparing like the starter. So, when my time came it wasn’t any different.”

Angeli has a strong arm, excellent field vision, and a high football IQ. He saw the field eight times last year, including his first career start in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, where he went 15/19 for 232 yards and 3 touchdown passes. Despite Oregon State's opt-outs, Angeli impressed, showing significant development and offering a glimpse into Notre Dame’s future. Angeli is a solid backup, providing Freeman comfort if Leonard can’t stay healthy.

Kenny Minchey: The Notre Dame dual-threat dynamo

Minchey, the most athletic of the group, has primarily been on scout team duties. This spring, he showed off during practice with Leonard recovering from injury. The lone four-star recruit from Freeman’s 2023 class, Minchey showcased his throwing ability during the Blue & Gold game. Coaches and teammates have dubbed him a ‘gunslinger.’

He’s only attempted two passes in his collegiate career, both completions. The improvement from his first Blue & Gold game to his most recent shows QB coach Gino Guidugli's development work. Minchey’s raw potential is evident, and seeing him in more game scenarios this season could reveal if he’s ready to compete for the starting role in the near future.

CJ Carr : The future star of Notre Dame Football

Carr is one of the most highly anticipated QB recruits to come to South Bend since Brandon Wimbush. Choosing Notre Dame over Michigan, where his grandfather Lloyd Carr coached and his father Jason Carr played QB, was a significant decision that underscores his commitment to the Irish legacy.

Carr had an impressive high school career, being a three-time first-team all-state quarterback who threw for over 8,000 yards and 78 touchdowns at Saline High School. During the Blue & Gold game, Carr demonstrated why he is highly touted, excelling at reading defenses and progressing through his reads to hit his second or third options. He shows great poise in the pocket and isn’t afraid to release the ball even when facing a hit. Carr is making a strong case for why he should be the starter in 2025 in South Bend.

Notre Dame’s quarterback room is one of the most talented and deep in the nation. With veteran leadership from Riley Leonard, emerging stars like Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey, and the highly anticipated freshman CJ Carr, the Irish are set up for a strong season and a bright future. This mix of experience and potential means Notre Dame football should be well-positioned at QB for the near future.