CJ Carr (13) looks on as Teddy Jerrard (9) takes a rep during Fall camp. (Photo: Joe Weiser)
Notre Dame enters fall camp with one question already answered: CJ Carr is the unquestioned starting quarterback. The real intrigue begins behind him, where three talented young quarterbacks are battling for the No. 2 job—and perhaps positioning themselves to become the Irish’s next starting quarterback.
First, let’s take a look at Heisman Trophy candidate CJ Carr (Jr., 6-3, 215). Last fall, Carr beat out Kenny Minchey for the starting job and never looked back. He started all 12 games for the Irish, finishing the season with 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions while adding three rushing touchdowns.
Carr’s physical talent is obvious, but what may separate him is his confidence. Quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli who spoke with the media last week, described Carr as “an elite thrower” who isn’t afraid to make checks at the line of scrimmage or take chances when he recognizes a defensive look. That aggressive mindset has helped Carr develop into a true coach on the field.
The real question entering fall camp is: Who will be Notre Dame’s No. 2 quarterback? Notre Dame has three talented young quarterbacks competing for the backup role, and each brings something different to the table.
Blake Hebert (R-Fr., 6-3, 220) enters fall camp as the most experienced option in Notre Dame’s battle for the backup position. Hebert originally committed to Clemson before flipping to the Irish. A four-star recruit, he was ranked as the No. 26 quarterback in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports. During his senior season, he threw for more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 11 rushing touchdowns. In Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold Game this spring, Hebert completed 7 of 11 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown.
Guidugli said Hebert made a “huge step” this spring after spending much of last season running the scout team. He also pointed to Hebert’s mobility as a unique strength, saying his athleticism gives Notre Dame a different dimension at the position.
If Hebert brings experience, Noah Grubbs (Fr., 6-4, 205) brings impressive production. Grubbs enrolled early after signing with Notre Dame as a four-star recruit and the No. 31 quarterback in the Class of 2026, according to 247Sports. During his senior year of high school, he threw for 3,250 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding seven rushing touchdowns. He finished his high school career with more than 11,000 passing yards. In the Blue-Gold Game, Grubbs completed 7 of 14 passes with one touchdown and one interception.
Grubbs has shown the ability to make plays through the air, but he also impressed this spring with the maturity and poise he displayed during media viewing periods. Guidugli believes Grubbs, along with the other young quarterbacks, has shown the ability to learn from watching reps as well as taking them, an important trait as he continues competing for the backup job.
If Hebert has experience and Grubbs has production, Teddy Jarrard (Fr., 6-3, 200) is the wild card of this competition. Jarrard committed to Notre Dame after reclassifying from the Class of 2027 to the Class of 2026. A four-star recruit, he was ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in his class by 247Sports. Last season, he threw for 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in high school.
Jarrard has shown plenty of potential in the short time he has been on campus. Although he didn’t arrive until June, Guidugli noted that Jarrard spent much of the spring attending meetings after reclassifying, putting him “ahead of where he should have been.” He added that the freshman “has a chance to be special.”
Marcus Freeman has also said it is not unrealistic for Jarrard to earn the backup quarterback position. For a quarterback who just arrived on campus to already be mentioned in that conversation says a great deal about the confidence Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have in his ability. Jarrard may have the least experience of the three, but his upside is what makes him such an intriguing player in this competition.
All three quarterbacks are competing for more than just the backup job. Guidugli has emphasized that the competition won’t necessarily end after Week 1 and will continue to be evaluated throughout the season. Whoever ultimately claims the role won’t simply be one play away from leading the Irish this season. He may also be taking the first step toward becoming Notre Dame’s next starting quarterback. With Carr leading the way and a talented group developing behind him, Notre Dame has both stability in the present and a promising future at the game’s most important position.