I spoke with legendary NFL quarterback and Notre Dame alum Joe Theismann about the Fighting Irish’s 2025 season during a media tour ahead of the American Century Championship – a 90+-athlete/celebrity golf tournament that’ll be broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and the GOLF Channel on July 11-13 from Stateline, Nevada – and the current commentator shared an interesting theory on what Marcus Freeman and Mike Denbrock may plan to do at the position:
Deploy both CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey under center.
“ You know, they’ve come in and they’ve done a terrific job with (Riley Leonard) and (Sam Hartman). But now, CJ, both the young guys, have been in the system. You’ll see probably both quarterbacks at Notre Dame play this year,” Theismann told me.
Theismann didn’t make a Week 1 prediction for Notre Dame’s matchup against Miami, downplaying the significance of being named the “official” starter, since so many things will likely still be fluid in the room come late August.
“ It’s okay if they introduce the offense, but probably both guys will wind up playing. I mean, how important is it that you run outta the tunnel … that to me I think is sort of gone by the wayside,” Theismann said.
Ultimately, Theismann sees Carr and Minchey’s skillsets complementing each other when I asked if he expects the QB competition to bleed into the season.
“ I think there’ll be cushion like there’s always been. I think the thing we have is both are cheering one another. You know, they both bring certain things I think will be utilized,” Thiesmann said.
After a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance in a loss against Ohio State, it’ll be a tough road back to the top for Notre Dame.
Theismann believes his Fighting Irish have the personnel at the most important position on the field to get there.
