Notre Dame Football Mailbag: CJ Carr, QB Battle, Jason Onye’s Return, Chris Ash’s Recruiting, and Early 2025 Talk
With the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gearing up for the 2025 season, the football program remains in the spotlight as fans and analysts alike eagerly await news on key storylines, including the battle for starting quarterback, the return of standout defensive lineman Jason Onye, and the recruiting efforts spearheaded by Chris Ash. We dive into the latest mailbag to answer some of the biggest questions surrounding Notre Dame football.
1. CJ Carr and the Battle for QB1
One of the most exciting storylines for Notre Dame this offseason is the intense competition for the starting quarterback position. CJ Carr, the highly touted 2024 recruit, is being watched closely by fans and analysts after his commitment to the Fighting Irish. As a five-star prospect, Carr brings a tremendous arm and football IQ that has garnered a lot of attention. However, the path to QB1 is far from guaranteed.
With Drew Pyne and Sam Hartman’s departures, the quarterback room is wide open. The battle for the starting role will likely come down to Carr and a few other promising quarterbacks already on the roster. While Carr’s talent is undeniable, head coach Marcus Freeman will be evaluating every candidate closely, with spring and summer practices being crucial in determining who will lead the offense come opening day.
2. Jason Onye’s Return to the Lineup
Another exciting update coming from Notre Dame is the return of defensive lineman Jason Onye. After a somewhat quiet freshman campaign, Onye has the potential to be a major factor on the defensive line for the Irish moving forward. At 6’5” and 290 pounds, Onye is a physical presence who has the strength and agility to disrupt opposing offenses.
His return to full health is vital for Notre Dame’s defensive front, which will need to step up after losing key players. Onye’s growth and development throughout the offseason will be a key storyline as the Irish aim to strengthen their defense and remain competitive in the tough ACC schedule.
3. Chris Ash’s Recruiting Efforts
Defensive coordinator Chris Ash is continuing to make waves on the recruiting trail, bringing in top-tier defensive talent to South Bend. Ash, known for his expertise in developing defensive players, has quickly established strong relationships with high school coaches and recruits across the country.
His recruiting class for the 2025 season already includes several highly regarded defensive prospects, many of whom could contribute early in their careers. The focus remains on bolstering the defensive line and secondary, areas where Notre Dame can make significant strides.
4. Early 2025 Talk
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts are already bearing fruit. While the team will focus on the upcoming 2024 season, there’s plenty of buzz about the class of 2025. The Irish are targeting several high-caliber recruits, including elite wide receivers and defensive backs, to strengthen the roster. Notre Dame’s ability to land top-tier talent will be critical in continuing to build the program’s depth and championship aspirations.
As the Irish continue to prepare for the 2024 season, it’s clear that the future is bright in South Bend, with CJ Carr and an exciting mix of talent set to make a lasting impact in the coming years.
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