Mike Elko offers his assessment of CJ Carr

Texas A&M kicked off the 2024 season with a loss to Notre Dame in Kyle Field. On Saturday, the Aggies look to redeem their loss in South Bend in a rematch between the two storied programs.

However, the Fighting Irish have a new quarterback this season. After Riley Leonard turned pro after last season, Notre Dame has turned to quarterback CJ Carr. Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko provided an assessment of the young QB ahead of game day.

“He’s a really talented kid,” Elko said. “I think he’s got a big arm. I think you saw that in the Spring game. You saw that on his high school tape. Obviously, him making his first start on the road down at Miami. … Those are always challenging situations for a young quarterback.

“I’m sure he’ll make tremendous growth coming out of that experience now knowing what the emotions of all of that feel like. He played well, he made a lot of plays, and I’m sure he’s going to have plans and hopes to make a lot more Saturday night.”

Carr, who redshirted his true freshman season after appearing in one game, received his first career start during Week 1. That’s the only film Elko and his Aggies have been able to watch, as the Irish were idle during Week 2.

The freshman QB was thrown into a tough position against Miami in a true road matchup. However, he rose to the occasion and despite leading Notre Dame to a 17-point fourth quarter, the Hurricanes would emerge with the 27-24 win. Carr threw for 221 yards on 19-30 passing with two touchdowns and an interception in the loss.

For the Aggies, they have something Notre Dame doesn’t have under center — experience. Marcel Reed is back as Texas A&M’s starting quarterback in 2025 and has looked the part so far this season.

Through two games, Reed has thrown for 509 yards on 66.1% (41-62) including seven touchdowns with no interceptions. He’s added another 105 yards of offense on the ground as well as another touchdown. Reed had an injury scare during Week 2, but appears set to start this weekend.

The two quarterbacks will square of inside Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. ET and will air live on NBC. Texas A&M is a touchdown underdog to Notre Dame heading into game day, according to BetMGM. The over/under is set at 50.5 total points.