Notre Dame football opened up fall camp this past week, and Fighting Irish fans are already getting super excited for what the 2025 college football season could bring. Head coach Marcus Freeman has created a ton of excitement and created a lot of expectations for what this program can accomplish. It’s a combination of talent, coaching, and culture that has created a sustained winner, at least in theory. 

It has only been a few practices, but as is typically the case, there have already been some early camp overreactions. Some have strong validity, while others are quite a bit shortsighted. Here are some of those Notre Dame overreactions, and where the truth lies. 

The QB competition 

It’s the first real quarterback battle in years for Notre Dame, so naturally, everything is going to be overanalyzed. That includes every poor throw, every amazing one, and even quarterbacks throwing during team stretch. When you play quarterback at a place like Notre Dame, it’s understandable that every step is going to be under the microscope, fair or unfair. 

There have been a lot of early opinions out there on the quarterbacks from the fanbase, and some hold more weight than others. One thing we’re seeing that is true is that redshirt freshman CJ Carr isn’t perfect. Unfortunately there are some who have decided that Carr is the golden child and can do no wrong, and those are just unrealistic expectations. He is a talented younger signal caller who is going to have a lot of ups, and some downs as well. 

One truth that many people won’t admit is that this battle is a lot closer than some think. Yes, Carr is still the slight favorite, but Kenny Minchey has a very real chance here. This isn’t going to be an easy victory for Carr, unlike what some people believe, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Minchey pulled an upset in the end. 

Breakout stars 

This sentiment is true of spring practice and fall camp, where there will always be some breakout stars who are expected to have massive seasons to follow. Since the media gets such little opportunity to see practice live, there are times where some players just happen to flash when the media is around. Then there are others who are true breakouts. 

One potential breakout that I am buying into is redshirt freshman safety Tae Johnson. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Johnson is an impressive blend of size (6-2, 192 pounds), range, and ball skills. He has been stacking great performances this offseason during the spring, summer workouts, and now fall camp. Johnson is going to play a lot this season, if not win the starting spot opposite Adon Shuler at safety. 

He could be a star. 

WR question marks 

While the wide receiver group has had some good moments so far this camp, the secondary has dominated for the most part. That could end up being good for the pass catchers in the end, having to compete against outstanding players like Leonard Moore and Christian Gray every day. Still, hearing about the struggles the wide receivers have had so far isn’t comforting for Irish fans who are hoping for a resurgence out wide. 

I, however, am not sounding the alarm just yet. I expect a group featuring Virginia transfer Malachi Fields, Jaden Greathouse, Jordan Faison, and Will Pauling will at least be a solid group. Notre Dame fans are hoping for much more than solid, and there’s a chance it is. I’m cautiously optimistic for the group, but far from all the way in. 

Two-back sets 

It’s no secret that Notre Dame is experimenting with more two-running back sets this fall. Having Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price on the field at the same time presents a lot of playmaking possibilities. The same is true about potentially getting Aneyas Williams on the field as well with either of them. 

While hearing the Fighting Irish are utilizing these types of sets more, Notre Dame fans should be cautioned that it most likely won’t be at a high volume. Just seeing it, however, will excite large portions of the fanbase, and it should.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish News

‘Right now he is one of the best five out there’ – Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman gives praise to an extremely important projected starter 

Projected Notre Dame starter receives high praise from HC Marcus Freeman.

Ryan Roberts