Notre Dame's Backup QB Search: A Journey Into the Unknown

The Backup Quarterback Conundrum: Notre Dame's Uncertain Future Behind CJ Carr

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:42am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college football quarterback in the process of dropping back to pass, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette representing Notre Dame's team colors.The complex challenge of finding a capable backup quarterback reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where depth and versatility are essential for championship contention.Notre Dame Today

Notre Dame faces an intriguing challenge in finding a capable backup quarterback behind star starter CJ Carr. With players transferring at high rates, the program must navigate the transient nature of college football to build a pipeline of talent that can sustain the team through inevitable roster churn. The competition is wide open between redshirt freshman Blake Hebert, early enrollee freshman Noah Grubbs, and reclassified freshman Teddy Jarrard, each bringing unique strengths and development timelines. Preparing a backup QB is as much a mental challenge as a physical one, as they must be ready to step in at a moment's notice, often with little experience. This backup QB question reflects the broader importance of positional depth in an era of high expectations for the Fighting Irish.

Why it matters

In a season where Notre Dame has national title aspirations, the backup quarterback role takes on even greater significance. The player who steps in behind star QB CJ Carr could be the difference between a championship run and a disappointing season. This situation reflects a larger trend in college football - the increasing importance of positional depth in an era of player mobility and high expectations for programs.

The details

The competition for the No. 2 QB spot is wide open, with Blake Hebert and Noah Grubbs leading the charge. Hebert, a redshirt freshman, has the advantage of experience from being the scout-team QB last season, but is still inconsistent. Grubbs, a true freshman who enrolled early, has shown flashes of brilliance with his quick release and velocity, but is still adjusting to the college game. Teddy Jarrard, who reclassified to join the program in June, is an unknown quantity but his decision to bypass his senior year of high school suggests confidence in his abilities.

  • CJ Carr is a Heisman Trophy candidate heading into the 2026 season.

The players

CJ Carr

The starting quarterback for Notre Dame, a Heisman Trophy candidate who has transformed the Fighting Irish offense with his talent and playmaking ability.

Blake Hebert

A redshirt freshman competing for the backup QB role, with the advantage of experience from being the scout-team quarterback last season, but still showing inconsistency.

Noah Grubbs

An early enrollee freshman competing for the backup QB spot, who has shown flashes of brilliance with his quick release and velocity, but is still adjusting to the college game.

Teddy Jarrard

A reclassified freshman who joined the program in June, an unknown quantity but his decision to bypass his senior year of high school suggests confidence in his abilities.

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame football team, who is grappling with the challenge of finding a capable backup quarterback behind star starter CJ Carr.

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What they’re saying

“Some days he looks like a future starter; other days, he looks like a player who's still finding his footing.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

The takeaway

This backup QB question for Notre Dame reflects the broader challenges of player development and positional depth in an era of high expectations and player mobility in college football. Preparing a backup QB is as much a mental challenge as a physical one, as they must be ready to step in at a moment's notice, often with little experience. The program that can embrace this uncertainty and invest in the entire quarterback room will be best positioned to succeed.