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Newsstand: ESPN names Notre Dame QB CJ Carr a 2026 Heisman Trophy contender

Kyle Kellyby: Kyle Kelly18 hours agoByKyleKelly

Notre Dame football could very well have another Heisman Trophy finalist in New York City next December. At least, that is what ESPN thinks.

On Saturday, ESPN senior college football writer Mark Schlabach listed Irish quarterback CJ Carr as one of 15 candidates to win college football’s most prestigious award in 2026.

“Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman entrusted Carr to lead his offense after a heated battle in preseason camp,” Schlabach said. The decision paid off, as Carr put together one of the best performances by a first-time starter in Notre Dame history.

“He threw for at least one touchdown in each of his first 12 starts, becoming the first Irish player to do that since Everett Golson in 2012–14. Carr’s 24 passing touchdowns are tied for the most in the first 12 starts by a Notre Dame player since 1966.”

This year, Notre Dame junior running back Jeremiyah Love represented the program in New York City. Love finished third in Heisman voting with 719 points, trailing Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435) and runaway winner Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (2,362). Love received 46 first-place votes.

The Irish are tied for second for the most Heisman Trophy winners with seven, alongside Oklahoma and Ohio State. USC leads with eight after Reggie Bush had his trophy reinstated. Carr will look to become the first Notre Dame player to win the award since wide receiver Tim Brown in 1987.

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Katy Lonergan serves as an advisor to the head football coach and Associate Athletics Director for Strategic and Football Communications. 

Irish redshirt junior running back Jadarian Price gave back to the community. 

Former Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau repped his Irish varsity jacket before Sunday Night Football.

Notre Dame Quote of the Weekend 

“I’m most likely done,” he said. “I haven’t made an official announcement or anything like that. I’ve been discussing things with my family. We’ll be coming to a conclusion here pretty soon, within the next week or so. I got to do what’s best for me. I got to take care of my family. Maybe there’s a small chance I continue playing collegiate ball, but we’ll discuss it with my family. Announcement’s coming soon.”

— Love to SportsCenter on whether his college career has come to a close. 

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