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Newsstand: Where ESPN ranks Notre Dame QB CJ Carr among other freshman signal callers

Kyle Kellyby: Kyle Kelly10/10/25ByKyleKelly
CJ Carr
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr. (Mike Miller/Blue & Gold)

There might not be a better first-year starting quarterback in college football than Notre Dame signal-caller CJ Carr. At least that’s what ESPN believes. 

On Thursday, ESPN senior national recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill ranked the top freshmen (including redshirts) quarterbacks. Carr checked in at the top of the list. 

“Carr is one of college football’s most poised quarterbacks regardless of class,” Luginbill said. “The redshirt freshman wasn’t the reason Notre Dame lost to Miami or Texas A&M — in fact, he kept the Irish in contention. 

“Carr ranks seventh nationally in QBR (86.3) because of his decision-making and accuracy. He has lost just 25 yards on negative plays through five weeks and has done a remarkable job protecting the football, tossing 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions.

“The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder has the size and arm talent to make every throw, plus terrific mental toughness and competitiveness. The former No. 2 pocket passer in the ESPN 300, has the makings of a future top-five NFL draft pick.”

Luginbill’s review of Carr is the latest honor for the Irish passer from Saline, Mich. On Tuesday, he was selected to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List. He is also climbing in the Heisman Trophy odds, tying for ninth according to BetMGM as of Wednesday. 

Through five games, Carr has completed 88-127 passes for 1,280 yards and 11 touchdowns, while throwing just 2 interceptions. His 177.9 passer rating is also 10th in the nation. 

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Notre Dame Quote of the Day

“I’m naming a lot of guys, but the reason why I got away from scout team player of the week, and really, player of the week, for our team is, I know I said this previously, it was just, continue to promote team. Like team glory, right? And it’s hard to just justify choosing one person that represents the player of the game or player of the week.”

— Freeman on why he does not give scout team player of the week and player of the game awards anymore. 

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