Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is emphasizing an approach centered around "delayed gratification" as the team prepares for the 2025 season, while C.J. Carr has been named the starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against Miami.

“Everybody loves the thought of being named a captain and being chosen by their teammates, but not everybody really wants to lead,” Freeman said. “It’s important that our captains are leaders. They’re expected to solve problems. They’re expected to make decisions that maybe their teammates and their brothers don’t like.”

Notre Dame's history with developing elite offensive linemen speaks for itself, and the Irish are taking another big swing, looking to land perhaps the best in the 2027 recruiting cycle. Kennedy Brown, the No. 1 overall player on the 247Sports composite rankings, stars at offensive tackle and is set to visit Notre Dame this fall.