As is the case with every position battle, there is always a starting point. The intrigue around this quarterback competition began as soon as the 2024 college football season ended. With Riley Leonard off to the NFL and Notre Dame choosing not to bring in a transfer portal quarterback, the winner was going to be a homegrown talent.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman named second-year quarterback CJ Carr his starting quarterback Tuesday, ending the preseason competition with Kenny Minchey. The announcement was made on the official social media account of the Fighting Irish football program.

The most decorated Irish QB recruit in years emerged from a battle that sources said appeared to be trending toward Minchey in recent days.