cj carr ranked as top returning qb in college football
Fighting Irish starting quarterback, CJ Carr, is the betting favorite to win the Heisman trophy according to FanDuel, and was recently picked by ESPN analyst Bill Connelly as the top ranked returning quarterback in the country.
The ESPN ranking is based on "stats, trends and recent performances." That equation led to Connelly placing Carr as the nation's top quarterback, ahead of Ohio State sophomore Julian Sayin. Carr will be Marcus Freeman’s first returning starter at the position and the success of the Fighting Irish rest on what many expect to be an impressive season.
Connelly’s Take:
"He sort of looked like a redshirt freshman against Miami in Week 1 of last season, but that was about it. He fell just short of leading a comeback win against the Hurricanes, then pretty much torched all other opposition. Sure, he had a spectacular run game at his disposal -- Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price combined for 2,046 yards and 29 touchdowns (and are both gone now) -- but Notre Dame ranked first nationally in third-and-long success rate (7 or more yards to go). When Carr had to make a throw, he did so.
"Carr isn't exactly your modern dual-threat guy; he doesn't scramble much, and he's not a threat to punish defenses for turning their backs on the QB in man coverage. But he also doesn't take sacks, both because of quick decision-making and the fact that he might have the best offensive line in the country protecting him. He's accurate, he has a big arm, and by the end of 2025 he was one of the most reliable passers in the sport.
"While three of last year's four main wideouts are gone, the return of Jordan Faison, plus 2024 playoff hero Jaden Greathouse (back from an injury redshirt) will help, as will the addition of two recent blue-chippers from Ohio State (Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter). Carr should have most of what he needs, and even if the run game regresses a bit, there's no reason to think he won't continue to come through on third down." - Connelly
Carr earned second team Freshman All-American honors last season after passing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing just under 67-percent of his passes. He ranked second in all of college football with a 9.4 yards per attempt average and ranked fifth with a passer rating of 168.06, and his passer rating set a new Notre Dame record, shattering the mark that was previously tied by Jimmy Clausen in 2009. Carr also ranked 4th in the country with a 14.1 per completion average.
notre dame offers explosive 2028 wide receiver
2028 5-11 165-pound wide receiver Jeramy Laster Jr. of Hendersonville (Tenn.) Beech was recently offered by the Fighting Irish and the magnitude of the offer from a program like Notre Dame was not overlooked.
“Man it feels unreal,” Laster Jr. told IB. “Notre Dame is a really prestigious program and it feels great to be on their radar. Coach (Mike) Brown and I have been talking for weeks, so I knew they kind of liked me. But, when he told me he was offering a scholarship, i couldn’t believe it.”
As a sophomore, Laster Jr. amassed over 1500 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns and holds things down in the classroom as well with a 3.4 GPA. That’s why an offer from the Irish hits a little different.
“I want to great at everything,” Laster Jr. shared. “I’ve been working hard this off-season to ready for spring ball and taking some college level courses. You can’t play sports forever, and I plan to be a success in everything I do. A school like Notre Dame can definitely help.
“I definitely want to visit,” Laster Jr. continued. With spring ball coming up, it makes if difficult to find time. I haven’t picked a date yet, but I am planning on visiting.”
He holds offers from programs like Indiana, Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt amongst others.
underrated ‘26 wr rob larson dominates at irish invasion
The Irish Invasion hosted some highly ranked players across the 2027 and 2028 recruiting classes, but the best camp performance may have been a surprise to onlookers and the Fighting Irish staff. 6-3 185-pound wide receiver Rob Larson of Folsom (Ca.) Folsom stole the show in the eyes of many. No one was able to guard the three-star pass catcher as he showed elite route running ability, body control and ridiculous ball-catching skills. What makes this story even more intriguing is Larson being able to put on a performance of a lifetime for his favorite school.
“The camp was amazing,” Larson said. “It was definitely special being able to showcase my abilities at my favorite school. I really enjoyed meeting the coaches in person and spending some quality time with them after the camp. Notre Dame is a great place and just being there and seeing the campus is a surreal feeling.”
WR Coach Mike Brown might have been laser focused on building relationships with some of the higher ranked campers, but Larson quickly grabbed his attention as the two shared head nods and high-fives after several spectacular catches, and the growing connection didn’t stop after the camp ended.
“I’m extremely grateful for everything,” Larson shared. “I got to spend a ton of time with Coach (Mike) Brown and he was impressed with what he saw from me. Going into camp, Coach Brown didn’t know much about me, but I think I’m definitely on their radar now for sure.
Larson shares a love for the Fighting Irish with his father, so every aspect of his experience was met with gratitude from getting the opportunity to compete all the way to meeting current players and coaches. It’s a moment that will be bookmarked for Larson and his family.
“It started when I was 10,” Larson explained. “I told my dad that I wanted to be in the NFL and he told me that college is the main goal, and to pick a team that I love. That’s when my dad and I started watching Notre Dame a lot. We fell in love everything the school was about. From the fans to the school and most importantly football.
“A year later, I got a chance to run routes with Ian Book,” Larson continued. “I really started to follow Ian’s journey and keep up with ND football. I’ve also trained with Rico Flores a lot and he has nothing but great things to say about it.”
After posting 25 receptions, 500 yards and 5 touchdowns as a sophomore, Larson knows there’s still work to do, and he’s steadfast on putting in work to ensure that he can have as big of a junior year as possible.
“Some of my goals are to just stay consistent in the gym,” Larson said. “Putting in work every day no matter the weather. Consistently getting better with my speed, catching and routes, so I can have as big of a junior year as possible.”
Larson currently holds offers from programs like Arizona State, Colorado State and UNLV.
Shaun M. Davis