Paul Finebaum predicts Notre Dame will return to College Football Playoff in 2025

Paul Finebaum is all in, well, “Paul in” on Notre Dame this season, just one calendar year removed from a national championship appearance. In fact, Finebaum could see the Fighting Irish returning to the College Football Playoff and making another run.

That’s thanks in large part to head coach Marcus Freeman. Cited as one of the best coaches in America, Freeman could have Notre Dame in position to win it all.

Sure, there’s change at the quarterback position and some questions about the health of the offensive line, but there are solid pieces in place. Finebaum seems quite confident.

“I am ‘Paul in’ on Notre Dame, for the reason that we just got through talking about. Marcus Freeman, to me, is one of the most accomplished young coaches in America,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter. “He is elite. He also has an elite football team. They may not quite be capable of what they did last year. Their offensive line has been banged up a little bit, but they have a strong running game. They have a really amazing defense, and they have something else.

“They have a manageable schedule. I know you mentioned Miami a minute ago. That’s one of the toughest games of the year, but I think they’ll get back to the playoffs and make another run.”

The quarterback battle, like for a lot of programs, is the most important in fall camp. CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey are going head to head and the decision could have ripple effects for Notre Dame’s playoff chances.

During camp, Freeman said he wants to see how both Carr and Minchey operate within Mike Denbrock’s offense. When all is said and done, though, he simply hopes they both just play their games.

“You want them to really just be the best version of themselves,” Freeman told ESPN anchor Molly McGrath on SportsCenter. “Play within the offense and the scheme of what we ask them to do, take care of the football, make good decisions and have answers. We want to make sure they’re seeing things, they have answers, they can tell us why. But ultimately, you know what, just go out there and play.”

Neither Minchey nor Carr have much game experience since arriving at Notre Dame. In two seasons in South Bend, Minchey has appeared in three games – throwing for 16 yards while adding 12 rushing yards and a touchdown during that time. Carr played in one game last year.

The two have different skillsets, though. Minchey is more of a dual-threat quarterback while Carr operates more out of the pocket. That adds to the intrigue around the competition.

As for when he wants to make a decision on a starter, Freeman said last month he didn’t want to set a true timeline. Instead, he’s hoping to see how things play out into training camp before making a call. That said, the goal is to have Notre Dame’s starter in place by Week 1 against Miami.