Notre Dame’s Quarterback Crisis: Marcus Freeman’s Nightmare Unfolds as Riley Leonard’s Past Haunts the Irish
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Marcus Freeman as he navigates a looming quarterback conundrum that could define Notre Dame’s 2025 season. With spring practice fast approaching, the Irish are set to dive headfirst into a heated QB battle—one that could either propel them to championship glory or leave them in the dust of yet another heartbreaking campaign. But as the echoes of last year’s painful end to Ohio State refuse to fade, a more sinister ghost threatens to reemerge.
The team’s chemistry is already under siege, a nightmare scenario for any head coach, let alone one trying to mold an untested group of quarterbacks into a cohesive offensive machine. With Riley Leonard now turning his eyes toward the NFL, Notre Dame finds itself with three potential heirs to the throne—Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr. All three have undeniable talent. None have the experience needed to confidently take the reins of a team with championship aspirations. Worse yet, the injury bug has sunk its teeth into the Irish, making a bad situation even more precarious.
History Repeating? Riley Leonard’s Struggles Cast a Shadow Over Notre Dame
On the March 13 episode of Notre Dame Football on Blue & Gold, insider Jack Soble peeled back the layers of Notre Dame’s biggest problem heading into spring. His revelation? It’s not just about who wins the QB1 battle—it’s about who will have enough chemistry with their weapons to succeed.
“We’re talking about wide receiver injuries specifically impacting the quarterback battle,” Soble explained. “It’s going to affect the offense, regardless of who wins.”
Then, he dropped the bombshell: Notre Dame’s current situation eerily mirrors Riley Leonard’s early struggles.
“The root of Leonard’s problems last season was chemistry,” Soble pointed out. “He didn’t trust his receivers. He hesitated. He was late on reads. And it all came down to not having enough time to build rapport.”
And if you watched Notre Dame last year, you saw it unfold in real time. Leonard’s debut was nothing short of a rocky horror show. It took him a staggering 115 pass attempts before he finally threw his first touchdown—in Game Four! Over those first four games, he completed just 63.1% of his passes for 587 yards, an underwhelming stat line for a team with championship ambitions. And the reason? A complete lack of chemistry with his receivers.
Now, the Irish find themselves staring down the barrel of a similar crisis.
Injuries Throw a Wrench Into Notre Dame’s QB1 Battle
For a young quarterback, nothing is more valuable than reps with first-team playmakers. Unfortunately for the Irish, those reps may be few and far between.
Star receiver Malachi Fields is rehabbing a foot injury and isn’t expected to be at full strength until summer. Will Pauling is in recovery mode after suffering a fifth metatarsal injury. Jaden Greathouse, still haunted by lingering issues from last season, will be on a limited, individualized training plan. And just to add insult to injury, Jordan Faison will spend the spring focused more on lacrosse than football.
That means Notre Dame’s top four receiving options will barely be involved in spring camp. And that is a recipe for disaster.
Soble didn’t sugarcoat it.
“That’s your top four receivers that you’re really not going to throw to much during the spring,” he warned. “That’s a massive concern for the offense early in the season.”
Without those crucial reps, the Irish QBs are staring down the very real possibility of a chemistry drought heading into the season opener. The last thing Notre Dame needs is a Riley Leonard reboot—or worse.
The Race for QB1: Who Will Lead the Irish?
With all these concerns swirling, the biggest question remains—who will be QB1 when the dust settles?
Notre Dame insider Tyler Wojciak has already made his early prediction:
“My guess coming out of spring is that it’s going to be a two-man race,” Wojciak said. “I think Steve Angeli will be the Week 1 starter. The gap is just too big for the other guys to close in 15 practices.”
But in the chaotic world of college football, nothing is set in stone. If Kenny Minchey or CJ Carr makes a bold statement in camp, the pecking order could shift dramatically. And if the competition gets too fierce, there’s always the looming threat of the transfer portal swallowing up a contender or two.
Wojciak even entertained a shocking, if unlikely, scenario—what if both Angeli and Minchey leave?
“If CJ Carr comes out, lights the world on fire, and it’s clear that he’s the best option, then things could get really interesting,” he mused. “Because in that case, Minchey and Angeli might both transfer.”
Notre Dame Can’t Afford Another False Start
One thing is certain—Notre Dame does not have the luxury of a slow start.
If their quarterbacks don’t get enough chemistry with their playmakers in the spring, they could be looking at a disastrous first month of the season. If Riley Leonard—a seasoned veteran—struggled with the same issue, what hope do three virtually untested quarterbacks have?
Marcus Freeman is facing his toughest coaching challenge yet. The ghosts of last season are creeping in, and unless Notre Dame can find a way to fast-track chemistry and solidify their QB room, the Irish could be doomed to repeat history.
One thing’s for sure: the 2025 season will be a trial by fire.
