**Pete Byrne on Notre Dame’s QB Battle: Gino Guidugli Says Competition Will Make Starter ‘Better’**
The quarterback position at Notre Dame has always been one of the most scrutinized in college football. With a legacy that includes Heisman winners, national champions, and NFL stars, the pressure to perform under center in South Bend is immense. This offseason, the Fighting Irish find themselves in the midst of another high-stakes QB battle, and offensive coordinator Gino Guidugli believes the competition will only make the eventual starter better.
As the team prepares for the 2024 season, the race to replace Sam Hartman—who exhausted his eligibility after a strong 2023 campaign—has intensified. Three contenders have emerged: rising junior Steve Angeli, Duke transfer Riley Leonard, and early enrollee freshman CJ Carr. Each brings a unique skill set to the table, and Guidugli insists that the battle is far from decided.
### **The Contenders**
**Steve Angeli** served as Hartman’s primary backup last season, showing flashes of potential in limited action. His most notable performance came in the Sun Bowl against Oregon State, where he led the Irish to a 40-8 victory, completing 14 of 18 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns. Angeli’s familiarity with the system and his poise under pressure make him a strong candidate, but he lacks the starting experience of his main competitor.
**Riley Leonard**, a transfer from Duke, entered the conversation as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the transfer portal. A dual-threat playmaker, Leonard threw for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2022 while adding 699 rushing yards and 13 more scores on the ground. Injuries hampered his 2023 season, but if healthy, he brings a dynamic element to Notre Dame’s offense that could give defenses fits. His experience as a two-year starter in the ACC gives him an edge in understanding high-pressure situations.
Then there’s **CJ Carr**, the highly touted freshman and grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr. Though young, Carr has impressed coaches with his arm talent, football IQ, and maturity. While it’s rare for a true freshman to start at Notre Dame, Guidugli hasn’t ruled out the possibility, emphasizing that the best player will play regardless of class.
### **Guidugli’s Philosophy: Competition Breeds Excellence**
Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, Gino Guidugli, knows a thing or two about quarterback battles. A former standout QB at Cincinnati and longtime college assistant, he has seen firsthand how competition can elevate a player’s game.
“The best thing about having multiple guys who can play is that it pushes everyone to be better,” Guidugli said. “When you know someone is right behind you, ready to take your spot, you don’t get complacent. You work harder, you study more film, you refine your mechanics. At the end of the day, the competition makes the starter better.”
This philosophy has been evident in Notre Dame’s spring practices, where all three quarterbacks have taken first-team reps. Reports from camp suggest that Leonard’s mobility has added a new dimension to the offense, Angeli’s command of the playbook remains sharp, and Carr’s natural passing ability has turned heads.
Head coach Marcus Freeman has remained tight-lipped about a potential leader in the race, reinforcing that the job will be won on the field. “We’re not going to rush the decision,” Freeman said. “We want to see how each guy responds to adversity, how they lead, and how they perform when the lights are brightest.”
### **The Importance of the Right Fit**
While talent is crucial, Guidugli emphasized that the starting quarterback must also be the right fit for Notre Dame’s offensive identity. Last season, the Irish leaned on Hartman’s experience and precision passing, but with Leonard’s athleticism and Carr’s potential, the playbook could expand in new directions.
“We’re not going to force a system on a guy who doesn’t fit it,” Guidugli explained. “If we have a QB who can extend plays with his legs, we’ll incorporate more movement. If we have a pure pocket passer, we’ll build around that. The key is putting our players in the best position to succeed.”
This adaptability could be pivotal in Notre Dame’s quest to return to the College Football Playoff. The Irish have the talent at receiver (led by Jayden Thomas and Tobias Merriweather) and a strong offensive line to support whoever wins the job. The running game, featuring Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, should also alleviate pressure on the new QB.
### **Historical Precedent**
Notre Dame has been here before. In 2022, Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne battled for the starting role before Hartman’s arrival. In 2018, Ian Book eventually took over from Brandon Wimbush midseason, leading the Irish to an undefeated regular season. The common thread? The competition sharpened the eventual starter.
Guidugli referenced Book’s rise as an example. “Ian wasn’t the starter going into that year, but he kept working, stayed ready, and when his moment came, he seized it. That’s what we want from our guys—constant growth.”
### **What’s Next?**
As summer workouts approach, the QB battle will only intensify. Leonard’s health (he’s recovering from ankle surgery) will be a factor, Angeli’s consistency will be tested, and Carr’s rapid development could force the staff to consider his upside.
Guidugli made it clear: “We’re not naming a starter until we’re sure. And when we do, that guy will have earned it.”
For Notre Dame fans, the uncertainty is both exciting and nerve-wracking. But if history is any indication, the competition will produce a quarterback ready to lead the Irish into championship contention.
One thing is certain—whoever takes the first snap in 2024 will be better because of the battle that got him there.
