Marcus Freeman Reveals Plans for the Future of Notre Dame’s QB Room

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman shares his vision for the quarterback position, focusing on development and recruiting.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) runs the ball against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Irish are shifting philosophies when it comes to QB's in 2025

Three out of Notre Dame's four last starting QBs have been one-year transfer players. Between Jack Coan, Sam Hartman, Riley Leonard, and Tyler Buchner, only Buchner was a homegrown Irish product.

At some point, most figure that eventually the Irish would have the desire to build around a younger QB that is already in the program that can be built around for years to come.

According to Marcus Freeman, it seems that 2025 will be a season where the Irish starter will be a player who is already on the Notre Dame roster. This means that a battle between Steve Angeli, CJ Carr, and Kenny Minchey is impending unless, of course, someone chooses to transfer.

"We have no plans on going to the transfer portal for a quarterback." - Marcus Freeman

So the 2025 starting QB for #NotreDame is on the roster right now. pic.twitter.com/qPCMhGBbWZ

— Jackson Neill (@jacksonneilltv) December 4, 2024

Notre Dame schedule will test the new starter early & often

Should Notre Dame indeed go with a first-time starter at the QB position next season, there will be no such thing as easing into the role. Notre Dame opens the year at Miami, hosts Texas A&M, visits Arkansas, and has battles with Boise State and USC as well early on in the season. All of these games take place before late October.

While this will certainly be a challenge for the program, I suspect that Notre Dame will be very active in the portal this cycle, perhaps looking for WR and D Line help that can pay dividends instantly next year to help the cause. Without needing to pay a new QB an alleged seven-figure NIL deal, more resources can be applied in other areas that could use bolstering.

I'm all for Notre Dame beginning to invest in their homegrown QB talent. But it must invest in the right player and have the right support around said player to get the desired results. If Notre Dame can do this, it will feature long-term stability at the most important individual position in sports for the first time in some time, a rare luxury indeed.

For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.

What Lessons Notre Dame Can Take From Their Victory Over USC

Notre Dame Captain Mike Goolsby Reacts to the Irish’s Victory Over USC

Notre Dame Has Made the College Football Playoff. Now It’s Time to Get Greedy

Will This Notre Dame Team Finally End the 30-Year Major Bowl Drought?

Notre Dame Tight Ends Shine in Key Role During Victory Over USC