CJ Carr Keeps Notre Dame Grounded Amid Playoff Push

Just two months ago, Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff ambitions looked all but over. After opening the season ranked No. 6 in the nation, the Fighting Irish stumbled out of the gate with two narrow losses that sent them tumbling out of early contention. But in true Notre Dame fashion, resilience has defined their turnaround. Six straight double-digit victories have propelled them back into the national spotlight—and back into the playoff picture.

The surge has been led by redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who has quickly established himself as one of college football’s brightest young talents. In his first season as a starter, Carr’s composure and poise have steadied the Irish offense and rekindled belief in South Bend. The program that reached the national title game last year suddenly looks capable of another deep postseason run.

The timing of their rise couldn’t be better. With the College Football Playoff committee releasing its initial rankings this week, Notre Dame once again sits inside the top 10—a position that seemed distant after their early-season missteps. If the season ended today, they’d face BYU in Provo in the first round, a matchup few anticipated after September.

Yet despite the growing buzz, Carr isn’t buying into the hype. When asked about Notre Dame’s playoff position during an appearance on SportsCenter, the young quarterback redirected the conversation away from rankings and toward preparation. “The focus for our team right now is beating Navy,” he said. “If we focus too much on the things that don’t matter, the things that do matter will slip away.”

1. Carr’s Confidence Anchors Notre Dame’s Offense

Carr’s emergence has been nothing short of transformative. After appearing in just one game last season without throwing a pass, he has taken full command of the Irish offense. Through eight games, he has completed 66.5% of his passes for 2,057 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, while also adding two scores on the ground. His blend of accuracy, athleticism, and leadership has drawn the attention of both fans and NFL scouts. Coaches and teammates alike praise Carr’s steady approach. He rarely forces throws, relies on quick reads, and has demonstrated an instinctive ability to manage tempo. His connection with his receivers continues to strengthen, but perhaps more importantly, he has learned when to lean on the Irish ground game. That ground game has flourished behind star running back Jeremiyah Love, who’s been on a tear in recent weeks. Over the last two games, Love has racked up 364 rushing yards and three touchdowns, carrying much of the offensive load and allowing Carr to play with balance and freedom. Love’s explosiveness gives Notre Dame a dangerous one-two punch that keeps defenses guessing. Together, Carr and Love have powered the Irish to their most complete offensive performances of the season. Their chemistry is clear on the field, and it’s helping Notre Dame sustain drives, dominate time of possession, and finish strong in the red zone—hallmarks of a playoff-caliber team.

2. A Challenging Road Ahead

For all their recent success, Notre Dame’s path to the playoff remains precarious. The Irish can ill afford another misstep, with four games left that will each test their focus and resilience. They’ll host Navy this weekend, a team known for its physicality and discipline, before hitting the road to face Pittsburgh. Closing the regular season with Syracuse at home and Stanford away, Notre Dame must maintain its rhythm and avoid the kind of lapses that derailed them early in the year. Head coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized consistency over complacency, reminding players that their fate lies in execution, not projections. The Irish have experienced how quickly momentum can shift in college football, and the message is clear: one mistake could erase weeks of progress. Navy, their immediate opponent, has long been a trap game for Notre Dame—an opponent that forces patience and discipline. The Midshipmen’s triple-option offense can frustrate even elite defenses, and their ability to shorten games with long drives often keeps contests closer than expected. Carr’s ability to stay composed and efficient could be the difference in avoiding an upset. Beyond this week, the pressure will only intensify. With playoff implications tied to every snap, Notre Dame must navigate not only its schedule but the external noise that inevitably surrounds a top-10 program. How Carr handles that pressure—both as a leader and as a first-year starter—could define the Irish’s postseason destiny.

3. Staying Focused on the Mission

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For CJ Carr, the formula is simple: one game, one practice, one play at a time. The redshirt freshman’s maturity continues to impress both teammates and coaches, as he steers Notre Dame through the thick of its playoff chase with remarkable poise. While others debate rankings and playoff scenarios, Carr keeps the team’s attention on what’s directly in front of them. His leadership mirrors that of seasoned veterans, emphasizing accountability and preparation over headlines and projections. It’s an approach that aligns perfectly with Freeman’s steady coaching philosophy and the Irish’s tradition of discipline and focus. Notre Dame’s confidence is growing, but so too is its awareness of what’s at stake. The next few weeks will determine whether this resurgence becomes a true redemption story—or another near miss. If Carr continues to perform at his current level, the Irish’s dream of returning to the College Football Playoff will remain very much alive. Notre Dame’s playoff hopes hinge on CJ Carr’s composure and consistency, as the young quarterback leads a late-season charge built on focus, balance, and belief.