Jalen Hurts gets support from Nick Sirianni as questions swirl about the NFL QB hierarchy
We have not yet reached a league-wide consensus regarding Jalen Hurts' standing among his NFL peers. It's tough to accept, but there is a possibility that we may never reach a consensus. Even leading the Philadelphia Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances hasn't resolved this uncertainty, prompting us to question whether common ground will ever be achieved.
Keep in mind. This is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, yet every time we see rankings or discussions, many say the same thing. Hurts is a worse quarterback than rookies and guys who can't seem to beat him.
Take, for instance, ESPN's recent series, penned by Jeremy Fowler. He spoke with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts about the game's top signal-callers and pieced together a top-ten list based on his findings. Smoke cleared. Dust settled. Guess where Jalen Hurts landed. He was ranked ninth...
Among the nine players slotted ahead of him were Justin Herbert and Jayden Daniels. We're reminded constantly that Herbert has all of the tools, but he's never won a playoff game.
Daniels has been ranked ahead of Jalen Hurts before, but he's 0-2 vs. Hurts in games when both started and finished the contest. That includes Daniels' loss in the most recent NFC Championship Game.
It seems the Jalen Hurts disrespect is a constant stream of negativity with no end in sight. To make matters worse, theories swirl that he was carried to a championship by elite teammates and superior coaching, as if he had contributed nothing to the win. Fear not. That idea was blown to smithereens by the man you would most expect to do so.
Nick Sirianni ends the latest audacious Jalen Hurts claim
There's only one Nick Sirianni. That's probably a good thing for everyone outside of the Eagles organization. What on Earth would we ever do with two, except maybe win a couple more Super Bowls?
Coach is one of a kind. He's uniquely authentic and willing to run through a wall for his players without a helmet. Recently, he aimed at an overworked theory, that Hurts is nothing more than a game manager whose success is born from being surrounded by superior weaponry.
'Yeah... That's bull---' That's a direct quote from Philly's leader, one offered to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Reuben Frank. As Roob states, Hurts isn't someone who can simply be measured in passing yards, passer rating, or touchdowns. Sirianni continued:
'I mean, he plays the most important position in all sports, and it's the most ultimate team game there is. And what I admire about him is his selflessness of doing anything we need to do to win... You name me a team that wins and wins consistently that doesn't have good players around you. Like, you name me a coach that doesn't have good players around him that wins. Like, you don't win with bad players, and it's the same thing you don't win with bad players as you're a quarterback either."
So, back to our question. How can Jalen Hurts possibly be the NFL's ninth-best quarterback? Based on the resume alone, debate continues to rage. Fowler's story birthed some of this discussion, but it also offers some of the necessary praise..
"Hurts' status is cemented. He's a Super Bowl winner who plays big in big moments. He's the most potent short-yardage quarterback rusher in NFL history. His streak of four consecutive seasons with 10 or more rushing touchdowns is the league's longest ever for a passer.
He's also one of the game's most accurate passers, ranking first in completion percentage over expected (+6.6). And he throws a beautiful deep ball. That touchdown pass to Devonta Smith in Super Bowl LIX was a Superdome-sized work of art."
If you're a Hurts supporter (which we assume most of you are) and frustrated, don't fret. You aren't alone. I assure you, some of us get it. He has received early MVP backing from a national writer, so here's a recommendation to help reduce the desire to throw fits.
Understand that this is part of the deal for an NFL quarterback. Jalen Hurts possesses the temperament needed to excel, though. He'll keep winning. He'll continue to score touchdowns, both rushing and passing. His critics will keep moving the goalposts, and when it comes down to theories and analysis, remember what Coach Sirianni told you.
'It's a team game. Yeah, that always bothers me, to be honest with you, when it's talked about because it's football.' We all hear you, Coach! If we're being honest, Jalen Hurts could win three more Super Bowls. Nothing will ever be good enough.
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USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
NFL record predictions 2025: AI makes win-loss picks for all 32 teams
Artificial flavoring. Artificial sweeteners. Artificial plants. Artificial intelligence (AI). Technology has taken artificial to the forefront, making it so even a square peg can fit into a round hole, bridging the gap in all situations. Don't know what song to listen to? The algorithm will figure it out. Don't know how to find your destination? The self-driving car can handle that. Don't understand what you just read? AI can summarize it. Society soaks up everything artificial because it's more convenient or tastes better. Laziness or convenience? You be the judge. No matter how popular those fake things become, nothing can ever replace the original. As we embark on the early days of NFL training camp, it's important to have some fun, even if the robots continue to conquer more and more in some sort of ode to imperialism. Will Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs rebound after a Super Bowl beatdown? Which NFL team will surprise? Who will be the league's best and who will be the worst? While many speculate and debate how each NFL team will perform in 2025, we decided to get Google Gemini's artificial thoughts by having it predict every team's record. Here are the results. 2025 NFL record predictions: AI projections for all 32 teams Gemini isn't forecasting any surprises in the AFC East, predicting Buffalo to win the division for the sixth straight year. The chatbot noted that they have a strong foundation in place as the team dreams of reaching the Super Bowl. Josh Allen's crew should keep rolling without much resistance. Google's artificial intelligence is buying stock, however, in the Patriots next season. It's a big fan of Drake Maye and believes Mike Vrabel can get the team back to their winning ways. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Patriots are poised for a better season. Gemini subscribes to that line of thinking as well. Miami finds itself settling into the third spot in this division race, primarily because of concerns about consistency and health. Can Tua Tagovailoa avoid injury all season? Is there enough depth on the roster? The chatbot isn't sure of either, saying results for the Dolphins are mixed this season. Returning to the bottom of the AFC East is the Jets, who are certainly no stranger to being there. However, it's a 7-10 season for New York in what profiles as a significant question mark-style season, according to Gemini. The team has limited upside in its imaginary eyes, but likes the defense and is unsure about Justin Fields. Maybe the intelligence isn't that artificial after all. The Ravens are locked and loaded for another run in 2025, hoping this will be the year they get over their playoff woes to reach the big game in February. Gemini is forecasting another division-winning season for John Harbaugh's team, with a sprinkling of regression despite their all-in approach to the offseason. Regardless, it should come as no surprise that the Ravens lead the way here as Lamar Jackson looks to build off another MVP-caliber season. Cincinnati is a logical entrant for the second spot in the AFC North, but the Bengals are a wild card in the jungle. The contract situations for Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart have been a dark cloud hanging over the offseason in Cincinnati. That is in addition to a team that has underachieved each of the last two seasons. The Bengals have a wide range of outcomes, but Gemini lands on the more optimistic side of the spectrum. The Steelers also know a thing or two about a wide range of outcomes, especially after signing the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. After adding DK Metcalf to upgrade the receiver room, it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh is better in 2025. The chatbot has taken Mike Tomlin's ability to avoid losing seasons into account, predicting a 9-8 record. In the AFC North basement, it's the Cleveland Browns. That comes as no surprise considering the state of their rebuild and the lack of a clear quarterback solution. Cleveland's defense can steal some games thanks to Myles Garrett, but don't expect a miracle in The Land. MORE: Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers are desperate to win big again. They are a perfect match It's been all chalk for Gemini in the early going, sticking with the favorite to capture the division crown. The Texans may have a few problems on their hands come playoff time, especially if C.J. Stroud is wounded behind that offensive line. However, the defense is good enough to carry them through a division that doesn't figure to have much resistance, leaving them as the clear team to beat. Liam Coen lived a life of luxury coordinating an experienced Tampa offense loaded with talent in 2024. Now for his next trick, he heads to the opposite coast of Florida to guide Jacksonville back to NFL relevancy. It's a much younger offense for the Jaguars, giving the rookie head coach a blank canvas to mold the roster as he sees fit. With that in mind, Gemini believes they can contend for a playoff spot this year. If Trevor Lawrence returns to form, Jacksonville is a frisky team that can be a threat. Everything for the Colts is tied to their quarterback situation, and the chatbot agrees. Anthony Richardson has to take a step in the right direction, but his shoulder injury is already dominating the conversation. There is still talent on this team that should keep them from bottoming out. However, the ceiling isn't particularly high and seven wins feels pretty close to it. The Titans hope they have their quarterback in Cam Ward, but it's unlikely that wins will follow in 2025. Tennessee has plenty of other issues that will hold them back next season, which is to be expected in a rebuild. An infusion of talent will continue in the coming years, but this year is all about making sure Ward is the answer going forward. Wins would be a bonus. The Super Bowl seemed to show some cracks in the armor for Kansas City, but the Chiefs remain inevitable in an AFC West desperate to dethrone them. As long as Patrick Mahomes is playing and Andy Reid is coaching, this is the Chiefs' spot until it's not. Gemini agrees, highlighting their consistency and top-end talent. Jim Harbaugh's first season back in the NFL was a resounding success, remaking the identity of the Chargers while still securing a playoff spot. Following an early playoff exit, Harbaugh now needs his team to take the next step. The chatbot has them finishing with one less win, but considers Los Angeles a serious contender if things break right. Gemini believes the Broncos will challenge for a playoff spot again this season, calling them a potential surprise in the AFC. The AI must've forgotten that Denver was the surprise of 2024 with Bo Nix delivering in a big way. It especially likes the addition of Trent Sherfield. Regardless, the Broncos will again be a pesky bunch next season. Perhaps the most surprising prediction in the AFC, Gemini isn't buying whatever the Raiders are selling. Vegas checks in at 6-11, which would be a disappointing win total after its offseason makeover. They've stabilized the organization by bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to work with a roster infused with young talent like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. Gemini considers the division too tough for them to compete right away, but that won't make anyone in Sin City feel good if it comes to fruition. We've yet to see a team reach the 13-win mark and that won't happen here either with the Eagles. Maybe it's a Super Bowl hangover for the defending champions, but Gemini isn't going out on a limb for this prediction. However, this would also be the first time an NFC East champion was able to defend its crown since the Eagles last did so from 2001-2004. The Cowboys are a surprise entrant in the second spot, primarily because they profile as a team in transition. Dak Prescott is returning from a hamstring injury that ended his 2024 season. Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach and the offensive line will have to operate without the veteran presence of Zack Martin, who retired. The acquisition of George Pickens should take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and Gemini likes the revamped running back room. Either way, Dallas is a wild card with a big gap between the floor and the ceiling. Surprises continue in the NFC East as the Giants check in at 8-9. Despite a new-look quarterback room headlined by Russell Wilson, the Giants don't profile as a team prepared to make such a vast improvement in 2025, considering the challenging schedule that lies ahead. Gemini is higher on them than most, but an offense led by Malik Nabers coupled with a pass rush featuring Brian Burns and Abdul Carter can certainly make even the most pessimistic see a ray of sunshine in the future. No matter what, Washington has always been a city that disappoints 50% of people at a given moment in time. In the case of the Commanders, this might be closer to unanimous – an unheard of conclusion in the district. Barring an injury to Jayden Daniels, it seems impossible for the Commanders to finish 6-11 after making the trip to the NFC championship a season ago. The chatbot pointed out that Washington is going all-in and could struggle to integrate those pieces. Color us skeptical. The Packers finished four games behind the NFC North champions in 2024 after totaling 11 wins. According to Gemini, that same win total will be enough to grant them a home playoff game in 2025. The chatbot is expecting a big year for Jordan Love and likes the Matthew Golden draft pick, adding that improving on a 1-5 record in division games will be enough to put them in the top spot. Detroit, on the other hand, is primed for a setback this season. That is thanks in large part to the staffing changes following the departures of both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. After injuries claimed many roster players last year, this will be a Lions group that faces some new challenges in a division that provides no soft landing spot. As if losing the coordinators wasn't bad enough, the Lions will have to watch as Johnson takes over for their rivals in Chicago. The Bears are a popular breakout candidate with the expectation of a second-year leap from Caleb Williams and now they are also armed with a capable offensive line. Protecting Williams is key, but the quarterback must also step up his play. If both things come true, the Windy City is in for an exciting fall. The Vikings bet on J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future. It would've been easy to stick with what worked last year while the quarterback was sidelined. After all, 14-win seasons don't grow on trees. Yet Minnesota is making the move to the former Michigan man, hoping he can deliver the goods in the Twin Cities. Gemini isn't a believer, calling it a season of transition for the Vikings. Depending on McCarthy's season, decision-makers in Minnesota could end up wondering if Sam Darnold is the one that got away. Talent has never been the question for the Falcons. Atlanta's woes seem to be more a citywide sports issue, but Gemini is predicting the football team will respond in a big way this season, winning the division for the first time since 2016. They are loaded on offense with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, while the defense tries to catch up with a much-improved pass rush. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both enter the fold, representing the youth movement in the ATL. A big step forward from Michael Penix Jr. could be all they need to make some serious noise. The Buccaneers have become a factory for producing offensive coordinators in recent years, losing Dave Canales and Coen to head coaching jobs. Now it's Josh Grizzard's turn, but that lack of continuity can also be a problem. That is also Gemini's primary concern, suggesting that turnover could lead to a slow start. Tampa remains the team to beat in the NFC South, but the chatbot predicts they will fall short in 2025. Much like how Johnson left Detroit to join the division foes in Chicago, Canales did the same to Tampa Bay by leaving for Carolina. His Panthers are looking to turn a corner this year and Bryce Young is a big reason for that. He made strides in 2024, giving Carolina a reason to be optimistic. Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, the Panthers can be frisky in 2025. Unless some higher power intervenes, the Saints won't be winning many games this year. There is talent on the roster, even if it's often injured, but the quarterback spot is a complete unknown. Derek Carr retired, leaving Tyler Shough as the apparent starter in New Orleans. Kellen Moore, the team's new head coach, has his work cut out for him in what should be a year that isn't defined by wins and losses. MORE: Los Angeles Rams are 'right place' for wide receiver Davante Adams After a short stay at the bottom of the NFC West, Gemini has the 49ers back on top in 2025. Last year was ruined by injuries for San Francisco, leading to some new players emerging in different spots. Now they are loaded up for what they hope is a deep playoff run. Gemini has them tied for the league lead in wins, staving off tough competition from their Southern California neighbors. The Rams lost the snow globe battle in the playoffs against the Eagles, but proved they are Super Bowl contenders. It wasn't a guarantee that would remain the case after the offseason. Matthew Stafford was involved in trade rumors, but he is now back for another run in Hollywood. They made a big splash by signing Davante Adams. On paper, this should be a top team in the league. Gemini has them finishing second in the NFC West, but this is a squad no one will want to play in January. Gemini didn't specify how the Cardinals' season will play out, but we can only assume it expects a hot start followed by a limp to the finish line. Arizona's defense should make some significant strides; however, this team goes as far as Kyler Murray takes them. That is evidenced by the extreme highs and lows that the Cardinals seem to experience every year. If he can find some consistency, this team can be in the hunt. Our last stop on our tour around the NFL and the NFC West is Seattle. The Seahawks will have a new look in 2025, highlighted by the arrivals of Darnold and Cooper Kupp. It remains to be seen if Darnold can replicate the magic he found in Minnesota last season, leaving the Seahawks as an unknown. They are remaking the team with Mike Macdonald's vision in mind, turning the page from the Carroll era. The chatbot expects flashes, but not a lot of consistency. We tend to agree.
USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
Adam Schefter talks screening for Type 1 diabetes, 2025 NFL preseason
ESPN insider Adam Schefter is perhaps best known for his ability to break NFL – and, as of recently, some golf – news. But he's also an outspoken advocate for Type 1 diabetes. As training camp ramps up across the NFL, Schefter joined USA TODAY Sports for a one-on-one interview where he discussed the latest news out of camps and the importance of screening for Type 1 diabetes. Schefter's wife, Sharri, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, and he said seeing her experience managing the disease led to a partnership with pharmaceutical company Sanofi to raise more awareness around screening for it. "It's so important to take that first step and make a plan," Schefter said. "Make that plan today. Advocate for yourself, for your family, and talk to your doctor about screening." TREY HENDRICKSON: Bengals DE calls team's contract offer 'atrociously low' Adam Schefter discusses training camp contract disputes Through less than a week of training camp practices, there has been no shortage of intriguing storylines to keep an eye on. Some of the biggest ongoing stories involve contract disputes between some star players and their respective teams. Schefter mentioned the talks between wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders as well as edge rusher Micah Parsons' negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys as two storylines he's keeping an eye on. But perhaps the most notable disputes have been those occurring in Cincinnati, as the Bengals have struggled to finalize deals with two of their defenders. Veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson left the state of Ohio rather than showing up to camp, and incoming rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart was one of the last remaining unsigned draftees in the entire 2025 class until he agreed to terms Friday. SHEMAR STEWART CONTRACT DETAILS: Bengals rookie agrees to deal, ends holdout The reason for each dispute is different, but the result has been the same: neither player has been practicing at training camp. "Most every contract dispute is resolved eventually," Schefter said. "It's very rare that a full year goes by and a player doesn't play. Now, when they get resolved and how they get resolved are entirely different questions. "All I know right now is Trey Hendrickson is in Florida. The Bengals have offered him one year of guaranteed money. He wants at least three years of guaranteed money like the other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt – have gotten. He hasn't gotten that." Meanwhile, Stewart was holding out because he wanted the language in his rookie deal to reflect that of the previous rookie contracts the Bengals have given out. The Cincinnati Enquirer's Kelsey Conway reported that the Bengals wanted the option to void future guarantees for their first-round pick. Stewart contested that it would be unfair to accept a deal like that after other recent Cincinnati first-rounders' rookie contracts did not include that language. Said Schefter: "To me, that doesn't make sense for either side to prolong this and make him sit any longer. Figure out the language, get in the room, get it done. Somebody's got to give up something to get that young man in camp and to begin to get him the reps that he needs." On Friday, USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon confirmed Schefter's report that Stewart and Cincinnati had finally agreed to terms on his rookie deal. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Stewart agreed to accept the new language in his contract in exchange for an additional $550,000 in signing bonus money he'll receive upon signing the deal. Even with Stewart's negotiations in the rearview mirror for the Bengals, their issues figuring out an extension for Hendrickson still loom large. Schefter couldn't say which contract dispute may get resolved first between Hendrickson's issues with the Bengals or Parsons and McLaurin with Dallas and Washington, respectively. Things could change in a day, he said, so it's very hard to predict. SHEDEUR SANDERS: Browns rookie QB helps organize community event after East Cleveland fire Adam Schefter on the Browns' quarterback battle Evaluating rookie quarterback performances and their first-year outlooks is an annual training camp and preseason tradition. This year features an extra bit of intrigue with Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders – Deion Sanders' son – fighting for the starting job in Cleveland. He has his work cut out for him in a crowded quarterback room: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, are also battling for the Week 1 starting job. "Could Shedeur Sanders win (the starting job)? Yes. Is that the most likely scenario? No," Schefter said. "I think it's more likely that Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett will be the opening day starter." That came with the caveat that either of those players would have to "play winning keep that job." Should Flacco or Pickett falter, the leash on either quarterback likely won't be long with Sanders (and Gabriel) waiting in the wings. The odds may be long, but Sanders still does have a chance to win the starting job in the preseason. Schefter pointed to Cowboys starter Dak Prescott and Giants (former Seahawks) starter Russell Wilson as examples of late-drafted rookie quarterbacks who stole the show in training camp. "If Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is going to find a way to win the opening day starting quarterback job of the Cleveland Browns, you're going to have to see that particular quarterback light it up in the preseason. Like you're going to have to watch them and say, 'I don't know how they're going to keep this guy off the field.' That's what it's going to take," Schefter said. "Is one of them going to do that? We'll see. Probably not, but not out of the question." MORE SHEDEUR SANDERS NEWS: Browns rookie addresses speeding tickets Who are other rookie quarterbacks to watch? Outside of the Browns' rookie quarterback situation, two other first-year quarterbacks are looking to make their mark in 2025: Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough and Giants first-rounder Jaxson Dart. Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already announced Dart will start the year backing up the aforementioned Wilson, but Schefter thinks Shough's got a good chance to start Week 1. "Their (the Saints') other quarterbacks are Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler," he said. "Neither one of those is proven or established. So Tyler Shough clearly is going to have an opportunity to win that starting quarterback job. That is well within his reach." As for Dart, Schefter said there's a high expectation that he'll get an opportunity to play at some point during the 2025 season. The bigger question is when, exactly, that might happen. Schefter said, "I think you could look at the schedule and you just never know. If the Giants defense is as good as they think it can be, and they can find a way to surprise and keep things competitive, maybe Russell Wilson's leash is extended. If it's not, and they're struggling and they're 0-3, 0-4, then maybe it's shortened. I think a lot will be dependent upon their win-loss production early in the year. "I think that they feel really happy and confident and comfortable on the quarterback that they got in Jaxson Dart. But obviously Russell's going to get the first opportunity and we'll see what he winds up doing with it." Another big question for the Giants and Dart is whether Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen earned themselves more job security by drafting the rookie first-rounder. John Mara, one of the co-owners of the G-Men, said after the 2024 season that he'd "just about run out of patience" with the coach and GM, yet they still got the runway to stick around and draft a young gunslinger. Schefter said it's still too early to predict whether the decision to draft Dart has truly saved either person's job just yet. "If (the Giants) come out, they're flat, another disappointment, fans are angry, planes are flying more banners – 'Fire Daboll,' 'Fire Schoen' – then yeah, then the (owners are) going to be forced to make a move," he said. GIANTS TRAINING CAMP NEWS: WR Malik Nabers is 'ready to go': Daboll Schefter discusses Travis Hunter, J.J. McCarthy expectations As the 2025 season approaches, two players with the most uncertain expectations are Jaguars rookie two-way player Travis Hunter and Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. For Hunter, the biggest question is how Jacksonville – led by offensive-minded rookie head coach Liam Coen – will deploy the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. The Colorado product played both wide receiver and cornerback in college, but will he be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball in a similar way in the pros? According to Schefter, the Jaguars likely will allow Hunter to play both offense and defense, but they're prioritizing Hunter's contributions as a receiver first. "They told me around the draft that they want to onboard him as a wide receiver, so it certainly sounds like he's going to start out as a wide receiver," he said. "They'll mix in defensive back, but maybe then they start shifting the scale and he's more defensive back than wide receiver. It's a lot for him to pick up and get adjusted to, but yeah, I think he's definitely gonna have a role as a wide receiver." And as for McCarthy, he hopes to enter the 2025 season healthy after a knee injury during last year's preseason robbed him of making his regular-season debut as a rookie. In his absence, veteran Sam Darnold stepped up and led the Vikings to a 14-3 season, nearly clinching the NFC's No. 1 seed in the process. Minnesota's decision to then let Darnold walk in free agency – therefore sticking with McCarthy instead – seems to say a lot about how highly the Vikings think of their 2024 first-round pick. However, last year's results may also mean elevated expectations for the young quarterback in his first real season. Those expectations get boosted higher when considering the rest of the talent in a stacked draft class for quarterbacks last year. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix were all fellow first-round quarterbacks last year who showed flashes of excellent potential in their 2024 rookie seasons. Schefter said he expects McCarthy will "fit right into that group" of young quarterbacks who have proven they can play. The ESPN insider pointed out that McCarthy is in a great situation in Minnesota – he's surrounded by offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson and coached by quarterback guru Kevin O'Connell. Schefter also said that McCarthy's father, whom he spoke to earlier this week, is "over the moon about how things are going" in Minneapolis. "Clearly there are a lot of people that feel really good about the way J.J. McCarthy looks and the potential he has for the future and what's ahead for him this season," Schefter said. "So, I think the arrow's pointed up."
USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
Notre Dame's top-five positional battles to watch for during fall camp football
Notre Dame football is set to start its fall camp on Thursday, and with that will bring plenty of questions surrounding the 2025 version of the Fighting Irish. Head coach Marcus Freeman will have to continue his upward trajectory of the program, and that means that Notre Dame will have to find multiple new starters to continue this ascension. That is part of what the fall camp is all about, figuring out who will be able to be the next stars following the past ones. Below, I have outlined the five biggest positional battles that we all should be watching, and let's start off with the most obvious one. Who will start for Notre Dame at quarterback against Miami. Quarterback It's pretty obvious this is the biggest position battle that has the eyes for Irish fans, and rightfully so after the massively successful lone season of Riley Leonard. The main combatants are CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey, as Freeman has yet to publicly announce who will take the first snap against Miami. Both are former 4-star recruits, and both don't have much experience at this level. You have to expect that Freeman will pick whoever he feels can lead Notre Dame to victory in Week 1. Defensive end This battle is not about talent, more about which of the injured or younger players will step up and take the starting role. Boubacar Traore and Jordan Botelho are coming off season-ending injuries while Bryce Young and Loghan Thomas are young with plenty of excitement surrounding each of them. Could a true-freshman take the reins of a start spot? Chris Burgess Jr. has the potential and Freeman isn't afraid to play first-year players. Safety Gone is Xavier Watts, which will leave a big hole at the back-end of the Irish defense. Adon Shuler is expected to step up, as could Tae Johnson or Ben Minich. Ethan Long and Luke Talich are other names to watch, but regardless of who takes over, you have to believe that Mike Mickens and Chris O'Leary will have them ready to roll. Defensive tackle Another big-time contributor left in Howard Cross III, while Rylie Mills, who repped there occasionally, also departed to the NFL. Jason Onye could big a big name here, but expect transfer Jared Dawson to secure one of the starting spots. Others that could factor into the rotation are Donovan Hinish, Sean Sevillano Jr. and Armel Mukam. If Gabriel Rubio returns to full health, he be one of the starters as well. Another position that is deep, but doesn't have solidified starters. Linebacker The heart and soul of the Irish linebackers Jack Kiser used up all his eligibility and moved onto the NFL. Drayk Bowen returns with a lot of hype, but who starts opposite him is the biggest question. Jaylen Sneed and Jaiden Ausberry played plenty, but it could be one of two younger players to take hold of the spot. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa might be too good to leave on the sideline, and early enrolling Madden Faraimo has already impressed the coaching staff. It's a good problem to have, and any of them should be able to get the job done.
