Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is facing one of the toughest challenges of his tenure as injuries shake up the Fighting Irish’s quarterback situation. With high expectations for the 2024 season, Freeman now finds himself in a precarious position after his anticipated QB1, Riley Leonard, is once again dealing with health concerns that could derail his resurgence.

A Rough Start to Riley Leonard’s Notre Dame Journey

Leonard, who transferred from Duke in hopes of revitalizing his career, had already endured a frustrating 2023 season marred by injuries. A high ankle sprain limited his production with the Blue Devils, and now, his transition to South Bend isn’t going as smoothly as hoped. Reports indicate that Leonard is dealing with another setback, forcing Freeman and his coaching staff to rethink their quarterback plans heading into spring practices and, potentially, the season.

Notre Dame brought in Leonard with the expectation that he would take over for Sam Hartman and provide stability at the position. Leonard’s athleticism and dual-threat ability made him a coveted transfer, but his availability has quickly become a major concern. If he’s unable to fully participate in key offseason activities, his grasp on the starting job could slip, creating an unexpected quarterback battle in South Bend.

Who Steps Up If Leonard Can’t Go?

The Fighting Irish have a few options behind Leonard, but none come without risk. Steve Angeli, who has been a backup for two seasons, could get a serious look if Leonard remains sidelined. Angeli has seen limited in-game action but showed flashes of promise during the 2023 Sun Bowl, where he threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns. If Leonard’s injury lingers, Angeli could gain an edge simply by being more available during spring and summer reps.

Another name to watch is freshman CJ Carr, a highly touted recruit who has drawn comparisons to some of Notre Dame’s past elite quarterbacks. While Carr has the talent to compete, throwing a true freshman into the mix could be a risky move for Freeman, especially with the Irish facing a challenging early schedule.

Freeman’s Dilemma: Risk or Reward?

Freeman now has a difficult choice to make. If Leonard isn’t fully healthy, should the Irish push him to return quickly, or should they prioritize his long-term health and give Angeli or Carr a real chance? The team’s playoff hopes rest on solid quarterback play, and without clarity at the position, the Irish could find themselves at a disadvantage heading into the fall.

The situation also raises concerns about Notre Dame’s overall approach to the transfer portal. Leonard’s injury history was well-documented before his arrival, yet the Irish placed their faith in his ability to stay on the field. If injuries continue to plague him, Freeman may need to rethink his transfer strategy for quarterbacks moving forward.

The Road Ahead

Notre Dame’s quarterback battle will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason. Leonard still has time to recover, but if his injuries linger, Freeman will have to act quickly to ensure the Irish aren’t scrambling for answers when the season begins.

For now, all eyes are on Leonard’s health and whether his past nightmares will haunt his time in South Bend.