Notre Dame’s 10 Most Interesting Players in Spring: Will CJ Carr or Steve Angeli Separate?

As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team enters spring practice in 2025, the focus is on key players who could make a significant impact on the upcoming season. With new talent, returning stars, and rising stars ready to take on new roles, spring football is the time for players to assert themselves and build momentum for the fall. While the entire team is crucial in the pursuit of success, there are certain players whose performances during spring practice will shape the future of the program.

Among the most talked-about positions heading into the spring is quarterback, with both CJ Carr and Steve Angeli vying for the starting role. As the heir apparent at the quarterback position, Carr’s development during spring practice could determine how quickly he integrates into the lineup, while Angeli, a talented and determined competitor, looks to challenge Carr for the job.

But the spring practice competition at Notre Dame isn’t just about quarterbacks. From talented recruits to rising juniors and seniors, several players are poised to catch the eye of head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff. This article will dive into the 10 most interesting players to watch during spring practice at Notre Dame, analyzing their skill sets, potential contributions, and how their performances could shape the future of the Fighting Irish football team.

1. CJ Carr – Quarterback

CJ Carr has been the most anticipated quarterback recruit for Notre Dame in years. The 2024 recruit was a standout high school quarterback with an impressive mix of arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ. Carr is the future of the Irish’s offense, and his development this spring is crucial to both his success and the team’s future.

After arriving on campus early for spring practice, Carr’s main goal is to gain experience in Notre Dame’s offense and compete for the starting quarterback position. Carr has an edge in terms of his potential, with his high school resume and pedigree as a top-five national recruit. He has the skill set to be a franchise quarterback, but can he separate himself from Angeli in the race to start? Spring practice will be a defining period for Carr as he begins to settle into his role and demonstrate his ability to lead the offense.

The big question for Carr is whether he can adjust quickly to the college game and prove to Marcus Freeman and the coaching staff that he is ready to start in Week 1. Spring practice will offer plenty of opportunities for Carr to showcase his leadership, accuracy, and poise in live situations.

2. Steve Angeli – Quarterback

Steve Angeli entered Notre Dame with strong expectations after a successful high school career. As the back-up quarterback in 2024, Angeli is a name that fans and analysts will be closely following during spring ball. A key storyline this spring is whether Angeli can separate himself from Carr, who is a highly touted freshman, or if he will continue to serve as a steady hand in the offense as a potential backup.

Angeli’s skill set is impressive; he possesses solid mechanics, good accuracy, and a strong arm. He’s also had more experience in Notre Dame’s system than Carr, which could give him an advantage early on. The competition between Carr and Angeli will be one of the most closely watched during spring practice. For Angeli, this is an opportunity to show that he’s ready to take the reins of the offense, or at least earn the trust of the coaching staff in a backup role.

With the potential to lead the offense in 2025, the battle for the starting job is one that will define Notre Dame’s quarterback room for the future. Angeli’s ability to improve and separate himself from Carr could dictate whether Notre Dame enters the season with a freshman or a more experienced signal caller.

3. Audric Estime – Running Back

Audric Estime had a breakout year for Notre Dame in 2024, finishing as the team’s leading rusher and earning All-ACC honors in the process. With his blend of power, vision, and explosiveness, Estime is poised to be one of the top running backs in the country in 2025. As a physical runner with a rare combination of size and speed, he is expected to be a focal point of the offense this spring and beyond.

In spring practice, Estime will be working on continuing to develop his overall skill set, including his pass-catching ability out of the backfield and his ability to block in pass protection. If Estime can continue to refine these aspects of his game, he has the potential to become one of the most complete running backs in college football.

Estime’s leadership, along with his physical style of play, makes him one of the most intriguing players on the roster. His development and continued dominance in the backfield will be key to Notre Dame’s success in 2025.

4. Joe Alt – Offensive Tackle

As one of the most talented offensive linemen in the country, Joe Alt is one of the top prospects in college football for the 2025 NFL Draft. Alt has the size, strength, and technical skills to dominate both as a run blocker and a pass protector. In spring practice, Alt will be working on maintaining his dominance on the offensive line and continuing to refine his technique to ensure that he’s ready for the next level.

Alt’s ability to anchor Notre Dame’s offensive line and protect the quarterback’s blind side is critical to the success of the team’s offense. As a leader in the trenches, Alt’s development in spring practice will have a lasting impact on the team’s overall performance in 2025.

5. Tobias Merriweather – Wide Receiver

Tobias Merriweather is another player to watch in spring practice. The sophomore wide receiver showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, but now he’s primed for a breakout season. Merriweather has the ideal combination of size, speed, and ball skills, making him a nightmare for opposing defensive backs.

With tight end Michael Mayer gone to the NFL, the receiving corps will need to step up to provide balance in the passing game. Merriweather has the potential to be the No. 1 receiver for the Irish in 2025, but he needs to show consistency and a stronger connection with the quarterbacks during spring practice. His performance this spring could go a long way toward determining his role in the offense come the fall.

6. Jaden Mickey – Cornerback

With Cam Hart leaving for the NFL, Jaden Mickey is set to take on a larger role in the secondary for Notre Dame. Mickey impressed in limited action as a freshman, showing excellent instincts, speed, and ball skills. This spring, Mickey will be working on improving his overall coverage skills and gaining more experience as a starter.

The Fighting Irish defense is expected to be a strength of the team in 2025, and Mickey’s growth in the secondary will be crucial. If he can develop into a lockdown cornerback, Notre Dame’s defense will be even tougher to beat, and Mickey will become one of the key players to watch throughout the season.

7. Jack Kiser – Linebacker

Jack Kiser enters spring practice as a veteran leader on the Notre Dame defense. A steady performer and playmaker, Kiser is known for his ability to read the offense, shed blocks, and make big plays. As one of the most experienced players on the defense, Kiser will be expected to take on a leadership role in the linebacker corps.

Kiser’s ability to excel in coverage and rush the passer will be essential to Notre Dame’s defensive game plan in 2025. Spring practice will allow him to hone his skills and make sure he is ready to lead the defense into a new season.

8. Benjamin Morrison – Cornerback

Another player in the secondary who will be critical to Notre Dame’s success in 2025 is Benjamin Morrison. After a breakout freshman year in 2024, Morrison established himself as one of the best young cornerbacks in college football. This spring, Morrison will focus on building upon his impressive freshman campaign and taking on an even bigger role in the defense.

Morrison’s ability to cover top receivers, combined with his football IQ, makes him a future star at Notre Dame. His development in spring practice will be key to the Irish defense, particularly as the team looks to shut down some of the more high-powered offenses on the schedule.

9. Rylie Mills – Defensive Tackle

Rylie Mills has been a key contributor to the Notre Dame defense since arriving on campus, and in 2025, he’s expected to be a key leader on the defensive line. Mills has the size and athleticism to be a dominant force on the inside, capable of disrupting both the run game and the passing attack.

Spring practice will give Mills the opportunity to continue developing as a pass rusher and refine his technique as he prepares for the next level. A dominant season from Mills could make the Notre Dame defensive front one of the toughest units in the country.

10. Lorenzo Styles Jr. – Wide Receiver

Lorenzo Styles Jr. is another wide receiver who will be vital to the Irish’s success. After a promising start to his Notre Dame career, Styles looks poised for a breakout 2025 season. With the potential to be one of the team’s top receiving threats, Styles will need to continue building chemistry with the quarterbacks during spring practice.

With a combination of speed, route-running ability, and excellent hands, Styles is a player that Notre Dame will lean on in 2025. A strong spring practice performance could help him solidify a starting role in the Irish offense.