Notre Dame football legend Brady Quinn has weighed in on the intense quarterback competition between redshirt freshman CJ Carr and third-year sophomore Kenny Minchey, calling both signal-callers “extremely talented” as the Fighting Irish prepare for their 2025 season opener against Miami on August 31. Speaking to the South Bend Tribune at the Golic Family Foundation golf outing, Quinn, Notre Dame’s career leader in passing yards (11,762) and touchdowns (95), emphasized the razor-thin margin in the race, noting, “Whoever ends up being the guy, the guy right behind him is one play away.” His comments reflect his own experience as a freshman in 2003, when he was thrust into action unexpectedly against Washington State, leading a touchdown drive that forced overtime. With head coach Marcus Freeman yet to name a starter, the battle remains “too close to call.”[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/notre-dame-football-legend-brady-080311519.html)
Carr, the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, brings elite passing skills, showcased in spring practice with a walk-off touchdown in the Jersey Scrimmage and three scoring drives in the Blue-Gold Game. Despite missing time last fall due to elbow issues, his accuracy and arm strength have positioned him as the slight favorite, with Quinn and analysts like Brad Powers suggesting he may edge out Minchey. Minchey, a former Pittsburgh commit, counters with superior athleticism, flashing mobility and arm strength in spring scrimmages, though he needs to improve consistency. Both quarterbacks benefit from a talented supporting cast, including running back Jeremiah Love and a veteran offensive line, which Quinn believes will ease the transition for whoever starts at Hard Rock Stadium.
The departure of veteran Steve Angeli to the transfer portal after spring practice elevated Carr and Minchey as the primary contenders, with true freshman Blake Hebert and walk-on Anthony Rezac providing depth. Quinn stressed the importance of both quarterbacks staying ready, drawing from his own 2003 debut when he wasn’t certain of his backup role until called upon. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who coached under Ty Willingham during Quinn’s debut season, is tailoring the offense to leverage the strengths of either quarterback, with Carr’s passing prowess and Minchey’s dual-threat ability offering distinct advantages. Social media posts on X, including from @SBTribune, reflect fan excitement over the “loaded” quarterback room, with many echoing Quinn’s sentiment that both players are capable of leading Notre Dame to success.
As fall camp progresses, Freeman’s decision looms large, with the Miami game posing a tough test for an unproven starter. Notre Dame’s favorable schedule, projected to see them favored in all 12 games, bolsters confidence in either quarterback’s ability to guide the team to a College Football Playoff push, per Brad Powers on the *Straight Fire* podcast. Quinn’s advice to Carr and Minchey—focus on long-term development and readiness—underscores the high stakes of the competition. With the Irish ranked No. 3 by ESPN’s Greg McElroy, the winner of this battle will inherit a roster primed for a national title run, making every snap in camp a critical step toward defining Notre Dame’s 2025 season.[](https://soccertrendy.info/2025/08/tougher-than-anybody-why-espns-greg-mcelroy-ranked-notre-dame-no-3-in-the-nation/)[](https://omny.fm/shows/straight-fire-with-jason-mcintyre/straight-fire-college-football-preview-with-professional-sports-bettor-brad-powers)
