Final Four Questions About the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Heading Into the Second Half of Spring Practice for the 2025 CFB Season
As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish progress through spring practice in preparation for the 2025 college football season, head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff are meticulously evaluating every aspect of the team. With a new crop of recruits, returning veterans, and some key position battles still up for grabs, the Irish are at a critical juncture in their development. While there’s plenty of excitement about what this team can accomplish, several pressing questions remain as the Irish head into the latter half of spring practice.
1. Who Will Emerge as Notre Dame’s Starting Quarterback?
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Notre Dame this spring is the battle for the starting quarterback position. After the departure of last year’s signal-caller, the Irish are searching for their next leader under center. The competition is fierce, with several talented quarterbacks vying for the job.
Leading the pack is CJ Carr, a highly touted freshman who arrived in South Bend with immense expectations. Carr, a five-star recruit and the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, possesses an elite arm and a high football IQ. However, transitioning from high school to leading one of college football’s most prestigious programs comes with its challenges.
Challenging Carr for the job is Steve Angeli, a redshirt sophomore who has spent the last couple of years learning the system and waiting for his opportunity. Angeli has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action, and his familiarity with the offense could give him an early advantage. Additionally, the Irish brought in Tyler Buchner from the transfer portal, adding another experienced competitor to the mix.
As spring practice unfolds, the coaching staff will continue to evaluate each quarterback’s performance in live drills, scrimmages, and situational play. Decision-making, leadership, and consistency will be the determining factors in who earns the starting nod when the Irish kick off the 2025 season.
2. How Will the Defense Replace Key Departures?
Notre Dame’s defense was one of the best in the nation last season, but with key departures to the NFL, Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden have their work cut out for them. Replacing key contributors like Howard Cross III (defensive tackle), Marist Liufau (linebacker), and Xavier Watts (safety) will be no small task.
One of the biggest areas of concern is the defensive line. While the Irish return Rylie Mills, a proven playmaker, they need to develop depth and consistency up front. Young players like Gabriel Rubio and Jason Onye will need to step up and take on larger roles.
At linebacker, JD Bertrand’s return provides stability, but the Irish are looking for additional players to emerge alongside him. Drayk Bowen, a highly regarded recruit from last year, could see an increased role, while Jaylen Sneed continues to develop into an impact player.
The secondary will also be an area of focus. While Notre Dame has talent at the cornerback position, replacing an elite playmaker like Xavier Watts at safety will be a challenge. Antonio Carter II, a transfer from Rhode Island, and Ramon Henderson will be among those competing for a starting role.
Freeman, known for his defensive expertise, will look to retool the defense and maintain the aggressive, disciplined approach that has defined Notre Dame’s success on that side of the ball.
3. Can the Offensive Line Continue to Be a Strength?
Notre Dame has built a reputation for producing elite offensive linemen, and this year should be no different. However, the unit does face some uncertainty heading into the 2025 season.
The Irish lost two key linemen to the NFL Draft in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, both of whom anchored the offensive line last season. Their departures leave significant gaps that must be filled. Fortunately, Notre Dame has a strong pipeline of talent waiting for an opportunity.
Charles Jagusah and Tosh Baker are expected to step into starting roles at tackle, but how quickly they can adjust to full-time duty remains to be seen. The interior line looks solid with Pat Coogan and Rocco Spindler returning, while Zeke Correll provides veteran leadership at center.
The coaching staff will use the remaining spring practices to determine the best combination of linemen, emphasizing communication, pass protection, and run blocking. If this unit can gel and continue the tradition of dominance up front, it will go a long way in helping Notre Dame’s offense find success, regardless of who is at quarterback.
4. Who Will Step Up as Playmakers at Wide Receiver and Tight End?
Notre Dame’s passing attack has the potential to be explosive, but the Irish need their receivers and tight ends to step up and provide consistent production. Last season, injuries and inconsistency limited the unit’s overall effectiveness, but there is optimism that this year will be different.
At wide receiver, Jayden Thomas and Tobias Merriweather return as key contributors. Both have shown flashes of brilliance but will need to become more reliable as go-to options in the passing game. Rico Flores Jr. and Jaden Greathouse, both entering their second year, could also take on larger roles, while freshman standout Cam Williams has been turning heads early in camp.
Tight end has long been a position of strength for Notre Dame, and while Mitchell Evans was a key contributor last year, his season was cut short due to injury. If Evans returns at full strength, he will be a major weapon in the passing game. Holden Staes and Cooper Flanagan provide additional depth, giving the Irish plenty of options in their two-tight-end sets.
With the quarterback battle still ongoing, developing chemistry between the quarterbacks and receivers will be a top priority during the second half of spring practice. The Irish need playmakers to emerge if they want to have a balanced and dynamic offense.
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