Notre Dame football began its fall camp on July 31. Coming off a magical run to the national championship last season, the Irish entered camp with big questions to answer following the departures of defensive coordinator Al Golden, four defensive captains and starting quarterback Riley Leonard. Chris Ash will look to fill Golden’s shoes and will have a deep and talented defensive roster to do so. Among that group, several new leaders have emerged to step into the captain positions previously filled by Leonard, Jack Kiser, Rylie Mills, Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison. However, one question rose above them all: Who would be Notre Dame's quarterback?
Practice impressions
The opening practice was the only practice with full media availability. It was a limited-contact session as players got reacclimated. The subsequent practices had availability limited to the first 30 minutes and featured player warmups and position-specific drills.
The key day-one focuses were turnovers and safety Tae Johnson. During 11-on-11 work, sophomore CJ Carr and junior Kenny Minchey had their struggles with decision making. Minchey delivered a ball over the middle, which was intercepted by sophomore safety Adon Shuler. Carr had lapses of his own, including an ill-advised deep ball that was picked off by Johnson. Moments later, Carr tested the freshman again. This time, he came down with an impressive leaping grab to intercept him once more.
The practice concluded with a two-minute drill. The Minchey-led drive resulted in a three-and-out that featured some completions short of the sticks. The Carr-led drive saw an explosive downfield connection to redshirt freshman wide receiver Micah Gilbert that advanced the ball into the red zone. This was followed by a short-yardage pass, which was bobbled and intercepted by sophomore corner Karson Hobbs.
Days two and three focused on the running backs and wide receivers. Junior Jeremiyah Love and freshman Nolan James Jr. stood out during footwork drills. Love showed exceptional technique, highlighting one of many reasons he is regarded by many as the top running back in the country. James Jr. also looked ahead of schedule in his development. It would not be surprising to see the freshman get some playing time this season despite being in a deep and talented running back room.
Among the pass-catchers, senior Wisconsin transfer Will Pauling made a strong case for being a mainstay in the wide receiver rotation. He earned recognition from head coach Marcus Freeman, who praised the attention to detail Pauling puts into his reps.
“I love the way he practices,” Freeman said. “I love the way he approaches the game. He is a dog. He practices at a level that I’m like, ‘Okay, some people need to see the way Will Pauling practices.’”
Freshman Elijah Burress proved to be a well-rounded receiver, showcasing footwork and speed that won him one-on-ones against opposing defensive backs. In the Aug. 17 press conference, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock lauded Burress’s elite skillset, but said the freshman still needs more time to learn the playbook.
Several battles continued after the first few weeks of practice. Who will be the second safety alongside Shuler? Freshman Johnson, graduate transfer Jalen Stroman and junior Luke Talich have all made strong cases. A rotation seems very possible, similar to last season with Shuler and Rod Heard II. Who will start at right guard? The talented freshman Guerby Lambert looks to be gaining an edge on sophomore Sullivan Absher. These questions may not be answered until the Irish take the field in week one.
Long-awaited answers
Chief among the many unanswered questions coming into fall camp — who will be the starting quarterback — finally has an answer. The team announced Tuesday, Aug. 19, that Carr will lead the offense in Hard Rock Stadium after winning a competitive battle with Minchey.
One day before, the team also announced its six captains: junior Drayk Bowen, junior Donovan Hinish, senior transfer Pauling, junior Billy Schrauth, sophomore Shuler and junior Aamil Wagner. The process for becoming a captain requires nominating yourself in front of the entire team.
“It’s important that our captains are leaders, right? They’re leaders, and they’re expected to solve problems,” Freeman said. “If you want the opportunity to be named captain, here’s the responsibilities. Come on down, right?” He added, reflecting on the 2024 season, “Some guys came that you weren’t expecting. Some guys didn’t come that you were expecting.”
The absence of Love from the list is noteworthy, as is the inclusion of transfer Pauling. One thing is certain: The Irish will have no shortage of experienced leaders on the field in 2025.
Opening up with No. 10 Miami on the road and No. 19 Texas A&M two weeks later was always going to present a challenge. That said, if this year’s fall camp is any indication, there are plenty of reasons for confidence.
