ESPN names a new starter, QB CJ Carr, for Notre Dame as its X-factor for the 2025 season
The second-year player has yet to attempt a pass at this level, but head coach Marcus Freeman fully believes that the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr has what it takes to put points on the board for the Irish. Mark Schlabach broke down the pick noting that he'll have help in the backfield with running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price along with a 'good offensive line.'
However, there will be more than a few things that Carr will need to do to be successful, as Schlabach points out 'he'll have to avoid turnovers and make good decisions while running the offense.' The same can be said about any quarterback across the country, but it's much more significant with the presumed first-time starter.
While Carr has yet to officially be named the starter, many, including ESPN, believe that he will ultimately win the job. If Freeman didn't think he could handle the position, he surely would have brought in a transfer, but for the first time since 2022, Notre Dame will have a starting quarterback that began his career in South Bend. Hopefully Carr is the X-factor that guides the Irish to a return trip to the College Football Playoff and beyond.
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