Notre Dame football’s first-year starting quarterback CJ Carr is having himself quite the season, as he’s steadily risen up the national passing charts.
It typically takes young players, especially quarterbacks, a bit of time to adjust to the collegiate game, but it looks like Carr is one of the few exceptions to that rule. At the current moment, he’s not really expected to bring any national awards back to South Bend, but those winds could be changing.
At this point of the season, it’s a legit question if Carr can play himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation, and we here at Fighting Irish Wire answer if he can do exactly that.
Tim Healey – Contributor
I’d love to see CJ Carr sitting next to teammate Jeremiyah Love in New York later this year, but I feel like Carr has a long way to go. Regression could happen at any time. Carr could run into a tough defense or have a bad day. Notre Dame could still win in those scenarios, of course. I am just saying that while Carr has been impressive so far and looks to be the quarterback of both the present and the future, he probably will cool off a bit.
I’d bet more on Love to be a finalist — though Carr will have chances in his career, even if it’s not this year.
Dave Miller – Contributor
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is now the odds-on favorite to claim the 2025 Heisman Trophy, per FanDuel (+600).
Of course, we are only entering the first week of October, and several other QBs such as Ty Simpson from Alabama and Miami’s Carson Beck have also impressed. Non-QBs who have been stellar include Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
But what about Notre Dame QB CJ Carr?
In terms of placing a wager, Carr holds a lot of value at FanDuel at +2500. In terms of where he should stand in comparison to his counterparts, the redshirt freshman has played very well since a slow first half in the season opener at Miami. Carr has 1,091 passing yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions in his four starts. But because the Fighting Irish are 2-2 and not 3-1, Carr isn’t getting enough credit.
That’s not how it’s supposed to work, obviously, but it’s reality. So it’s tough to envision Carr playing his way into the mix, especially with ND’s top two opponents in the rearview mirror.
Michael Chen – Site lead
Carr isn’t viewed as a favorite, he isn’t even really listed among many’s top Heisman list after five weeks of college football, but the season isn’t even halfway over. Multiple players could drop out of contention, and sitting in the wings will be the Irish quarterback. The schedule lines up for him to put up some pretty impressive stats, but what could be missing is that “Heisman moment,” which many have used to propel themselves to win the prestigious award.
Notre Dame doesn’t throw the ball enough for Carr to put up massive passing stats, but he’s been extremely effective when given the opportunity. I think he does play his way into the conversation, but he might not end up in New York after this season. Carr will set himself up for a run at the trophy next fall, and could bring the award back to South Bend in the process.
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