Led by CJ Carr and newly committed Champ Monds, a pair of elite signal callers aims to shatter decades of disappointment and restore championship-level play to South Bend.
The 2007 NFL Draft is the last time a Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback was drafted in the first round. The school has since maintained the reputation for having a program that that lacked a high-level signal caller with elite, championship-worthy talent.
The Irish hope to change those fortunes beginning in 2026 and their newest room of passers is providing some optimism. The room now features presumed starter CJ Carr, Noah Grubbs, Blake Herbert and recent commit Champ Monds.
For an in-depth look at the newest addition to the quarterback room, here is Irish Roundtable writer Bryan Driskell's spotlight on Monds.
The Fighting Irish made a National Championship just two seasons ago, but fell short to hoisting the title. Last year, Notre Dame missed the College Football Playoff entirely.
their program’s hope is that their current crop of passers will open up an opportunity for them to be able to return to the championship and get over the hurdle for the first time in more than 30 years.
Carr is expected to be a true difference maker this year, but with Monds waiting in the wings, any standard built can be carried on for the foreseeable future than to his arm talent and premiere athleticism.
Notre Dame has true potential to open a winning window for its football program beginning as early as the 2026-27 season. A return to elite-level play at signal caller is long-awaited for many Fighting Irish fans, but the wait may finally be over beginning with Carr.