The Fighting Irish faithful are buzzing with anticipation as freshman quarterback CJ Carr is being touted as a potential Heisman Trophy finalist for the 2025 season. While he hasn’t even been officially named the starter, the hype surrounding Carr is reaching fever pitch, fueled by analysts who believe he possesses the talent and supporting cast to make a serious run at college football’s most prestigious individual award.
This article dives into the reasons behind the Carr hype, examining the analyst predictions, the strengths of the Notre Dame offense, and the potential challenges that lie ahead for the young quarterback. Can Carr live up to the lofty expectations? Let’s delve into the details.
CJ Carr Named Heisman Dark Horse by On3 Analysts
While he hasn’t been named the starter yet, the assumption is that Carr will be the winner of the Notre Dame football team’s quarterback battle. That’s a big enough assumption on his own. That one analyst thinks Carr will be a Heisman finalist in his first season as a starter is an even bigger and more exciting one. On3 analysts Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman have identified Carr as a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy in 2025.
Carr has been exciting those keeping a close eye on Notre Dame for a while now. Some even thought he start in his true-freshman season. And then, Riley Leonard entered the picture, and it was clear he would use 2024 to grow and develop. The analysts cite Carr’s potential and the overall strength of the Notre Dame team as key factors in their prediction. They believe he could explode onto the scene.
Analysts Weigh In: Carr’s Potential and the Irish Offense
The two analysts discussed their dark horse choices for Heisman contenders in the 2025 season, and Staples is convinced that if the Notre Dame football quarterback doesn’t win the Heisman outright, he’ll at least be a finalist.
"[He’s the guy] who every time some quarterback leaves…Like there's rumors about, oh, he's going to go to Notre Dame. And you check into them and they're like, no. We got CJ Carr." Staples said.
The On3 analyst then made the case for why the supporting cast will play a big part in Carr’s success and why he might be one of the best players in the country in 2025.
"Potentially the best offensive line in the country. Jeremiah loves this team … these guys could be a top four seed in the playoffs. If he puts up good numbers, he’s going to be in New York."
"Be in New York" means that Carr would indeed be one of the Heisman finalists. And Staples’ argument was bolstered by Wasserman, who pointed out Jaden Greathouse is expected to have a breakout 2025. There’s also transfer wide receivers Will Pauling and Malachi Fields. Then there are the other backs that make up the room behind Love.
The Irish Arsenal: Carr’s Talented Supporting Cast
One of the primary reasons for the Carr hype is the impressive array of talent surrounding him on the Notre Dame offense. The offensive line is expected to be among the nation’s best, providing Carr with ample protection and opportunities to make plays. The receiving corps is equally exciting, featuring a mix of established stars and promising newcomers.
Sophomore Jaden Greathouse is poised for a breakout season, while transfer wide receivers Will Pauling and Malachi Fields bring additional firepower to the passing game. The running back room, led by Jadarian Price, provides a strong ground game to complement Carr’s aerial assault.
Challenges and Expectations: Navigating the Pressure
While the future appears bright for CJ Carr, he faces significant challenges as he prepares to take the reins of the Notre Dame offense. The pressure of leading one of college football’s most storied programs is immense, and the expectations will be sky-high from day one. Carr must prove that he can handle the spotlight and perform at a consistently high level against top-tier competition.
Additionally, Carr will need to quickly develop chemistry with his receivers and establish a strong rapport with the offensive line. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial if he hopes to live up to the Heisman hype and lead Notre Dame to a successful season.
Can CJ Carr Reach Heisman Heights?
The hype surrounding CJ Carr is undeniable, and the potential is certainly there for him to become a special player at Notre Dame. However, he faces a tough road ahead, and it remains to be seen whether he can live up to the lofty expectations. With a strong supporting cast and a dedicated coaching staff, Carr has the opportunity to make a serious run at the Heisman Trophy and lead the Fighting Irish to a championship.
Whether he becomes a Heisman finalist in 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: CJ Carr is a name that college football fans will be hearing a lot about in the years to come. The future of Notre Dame football appears to be in good hands.
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