Key Highlights
- CJ Carr of Notre Dame is ranked seventh among Power Four quarterbacks in a recent ESPN list.
- Carr has completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,275 yards with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions in nine starts.
- He’s been named one of the 20 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.
- Carr is fourth nationally in yards per dropback and eighth in success rate, though he has played against only three top-50 defenses.
The Rising Star of Notre Dame’s Quarterback Position
Notre Dame sophomore quarterback CJ Carr continues to impress with his performance on the field. In nine starts this season, Carr has demonstrated exceptional accuracy and efficiency, completing 67.6% of his passes for a total of 2,275 yards. His impressive statistics include 19 touchdowns and four interceptions, setting him apart as one of college football’s most promising signal-callers.
His achievements have not gone unnoticed; Carr was recently named one of the 20 semifinalists for the prestigious Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. This honor recognizes players who showcase outstanding talent early in their collegiate careers, and it highlights Carr’s potential to become a future first-round NFL Draft pick.
Standing Amongst His Peers
In ESPN’s latest ranking of Power Four quarterbacks two months into the 2025 college football season, Carr is placed seventh. This ranking reflects his consistent performance and growing reputation within the sport. Despite facing challenges due to playing against only three top-50 defenses according to SP+ rankings—Miami (14th), Texas A&M (18th), and USC (42nd)—Carr has managed to maintain a strong Total QBR score, ranking 10th nationally.
Upcoming Challenges
Carr’s next challenge comes this weekend when Notre Dame faces off against Pittsburgh. The Panthers boast the nation’s first-ranked defense in yards per rush allowed (2.39) but struggle significantly against the pass, with a 72nd-ranked pass efficiency defense. This matchup will be crucial for Carr to prove his abilities against a formidable opponent and potentially improve his rankings.
Notre Dame’s schedule remains challenging, facing several top-tier quarterbacks in upcoming games.
Among these are Jayden Miava of USC, who is down four spots from the previous ranking; Taylen Green of Arkansas, up four spots; and Marcel Reed of Texas A&M, a significant jump of 14 spots. These matchups will test Carr’s skills and further define his position among college football’s elite quarterbacks.
Expert Analysis
According to ESPN analyst Bill Connelly, while Carr has shown exceptional performance in certain games, his overall ranking reflects both his strengths and the ease of defenses he has faced so far. “His job has gotten easier now that star running back Jeremiyah Love has fully checked into the season,” noted Connelly. However, with Pitt’s formidable defense, this weekend could prove pivotal for Carr’s standing in the rankings.
The upcoming games against ranked opponents will be critical for evaluating Carr’s true abilities and consistency. As he continues to navigate his sophomore year at Notre Dame, observers will closely watch his performances to determine if he can maintain or elevate his ranking among college football’s top quarterbacks.
