Notre Dame’s Offense: Locked and loaded behind freshman QB

MIAMI -- Notre Dame is heading into the season with one of the most exciting offenses in college football.

Yes, CJ Carr is making his very first career start—but there’s no panic in South Bend. The freshman quarterback says he’s been preparing for this moment his whole life. And lucky for him, he’s surrounded by plenty of firepower.

Carr will lean on one of the nation’s top running back duos. Jeremiah Love is coming off a breakout season where he racked up 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. Analysts have pegged him as a Heisman contender if he stays healthy.

Right beside him is Jadarian Price, who’s already topped 1,000 career yards and has a reputation for breaking big plays—15 runs of 15+ yards last year alone. Expect Notre Dame to lean heavily on the ground game early with their young quarterback.

Carr won’t be short on targets either. At tight end, 6’7” senior Eli Reardon gives him a big, reliable option on key downs. At receiver, Coach Marcus Freeman brought in Virginia transfer Malachi Fields, a 6’4” playmaker with back-to-back 800-yard seasons. Captain Will Pauling, who posted 837 yards last year at Wisconsin, will also be a major part of the offense. Add in returners Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison and suddenly this wide receiver room looks stacked.

None of this works without protection, and the Irish offensive line looks strong once again. Left guard Billy Schrauth is the leader, allowing just one sack on nearly 400 snaps last season. With that kind of stability, Carr will have time to settle in and find his rhythm.

For a freshman quarterback stepping into the spotlight, it’s about as good of a supporting cast as you can ask for.