The Notre Dame football team is set to commence its spring football activities in just six days, with a series of 14 practices culminating in the Blue-Gold game. As anticipation builds for the upcoming season following their impressive run to the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024, significant questions remain unanswered about the team's direction. Ranked among the top ten in various preseason polls and even within the top five in some, expectations are sky-high for the Irish in 2025. Among these uncertainties, the most pressing issue revolves around the starting quarterback position, where internal competition promises to be fierce.

For the first time in several years, the Fighting Irish have chosen not to seek a seasoned quarterback from the transfer portal. Instead, they will rely on junior Steve Angeli, sophomore Kenny Minchey, and freshman C.J. Carr to vie for the role. While Angeli boasts significant game experience, Minchey and Carr were highly regarded recruits in high school, adding intrigue to the contest. Angeli's leadership during the Orange Bowl's crucial final moments has bolstered his case as the front-runner. However, Carr's potential as a long-term solution remains promising despite an elbow injury last season that hindered his development.

Despite Carr's setback, experts believe he could emerge as the eventual starter due to his talent and promise. Analysts suggest that while Angeli might secure the starting spot at the beginning of the season, Carr’s progression will likely determine the future of the position. This dynamic interplay between experience and youthful potential sets the stage for an exciting spring practice period.

In addition to the quarterback battle, other key areas such as the offensive line will also come under scrutiny as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. Daily updates leading up to the spring practices will shed light on these critical decisions shaping the 2026 campaign.

As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on South Bend to witness how these pivotal choices unfold. The outcome of this internal competition may well dictate whether the Fighting Irish can replicate—or surpass—their remarkable achievements of the previous year. With so much riding on these spring practices, fans eagerly await the answers that will define the next chapter of Notre Dame football.