CJ Carr’s confidence headline Day 2 of Notre Dame fall camp

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --CJ Carr’s confidence headline Day 2 of Notre Dame fall camp as Irish settle quarterback picture

Two days into fall camp, Notre Dame has clarity at the most important position on the field.

Unlike recent seasons, there is no competition for the starting quarterback job. CJ Carr enters the fall as the unquestioned leader of the Irish offense, and through the opening practices, coaches say his biggest leap has come in areas that don’t show up on a stat sheet.

Although media viewing was limited during Thursday’s practice with no pads or scrimmage work, Carr met with reporters afterward and explained what continues to drive him through the long practices and demanding offseason.

“It’s amazing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” Carr said. “It’s hard work, but it’s the most fun position in the world. You’re at the best university doing it with the best people, so I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

That passion translated into production a season ago.

Carr completed nearly 67% of his passes while throwing 24 touchdown passes. He also tossed at least one touchdown in all 12 games, marking Notre Dame’s longest such streak by a quarterback since 2014.

While the starting job is settled, the battle behind Carr remains one of the biggest storylines of camp. Redshirt freshman Blake Hebert and freshmen Teddy Jarrard and Noah Grubbs are competing for the backup role. Carr said he spent much of the summer building chemistry with the offense, including living with Grubbs and taking a trip to Jacksonville alongside members of the receiver room.

Quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli believes Carr’s development has gone beyond mechanics or arm strength.

“As boring as it may sound, it’s his leadership,” Guidugli said. “Coming back this year, he’s so much more confident. He understands our offense inside and out, understands his teammates inside and out. He’s going to be a weapon for us on game day.”

Notre Dame will continue fall camp over the coming weeks as the Irish prepare for the 2026 season opener, with the backup quarterback competition and offensive chemistry remaining two of the biggest storylines to watch.