Best of IB: Notre Dame State of the Union: Quarterback Depth Emerged This Spring
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This episode of Irish Breakdown dives into the evolving quarterback depth at Notre Dame following spring practice, focusing on the competition for the backup role behind starter CJ Carr. While the starting job is secure, the battle for the number two spot between redshirt sophomore Blake Hebert and redshirt freshman Noah Grubbs has intensified, with both showing flashes of promise and significant room for growth. The discussion highlights Hebert’s raw arm talent and athleticism, which make him a dual-threat weapon, but also his inconsistent mechanics and footwork. In contrast, Noah Grubbs is praised for his advanced decision-making and arm talent, though his aggressive, gunslinger mentality leads to turnovers. The arrival of reclassified quarterback Teddy Gerrard in the 2026 class adds a third contender, though expectations are tempered—his role is seen as developmental, with the focus on preparing him for a potential 2027 starting role. The hosts emphasize that while talent abounds, the real test lies in refinement, maturity, and consistency over the coming offseason.
Blake Hebert’s athleticism gives him a unique edge, but he must improve footwork and mechanics to become a reliable passer.
Noah Grubbs shows elite arm talent and mental toughness but must learn to limit risky throws and trust the offense.
Teddy Gerrard is a high-ceiling talent with the best arm of the three young QBs, but his role in 2026 is developmental, not immediate.
The backup quarterback battle is undecided, with all three players in contention, and the focus should be on growth, not immediate results.
Expectations for reclassified players like Gerrard must be realistic—this is about long-term development, not instant impact.
The State of Notre Dame's Quarterback Room After Spring
The episode opens with a broad overview of the quarterback depth at Notre Dame, emphasizing that while CJ Carr remains the clear starter, the battle for the backup role is heating up between Blake Hebert and Noah Grubbs. The hosts affirm that talent is abundant, but development is key.
Blake Hebert: Raw Talent, Mechanical Challenges
“If you closed your eyes to everything except the ball and you didn't know where it went and you didn't know that he missed by 12 yards, like dude, that thing comes out of his hand real pretty.”
Noah Grubbs: Gunslinger Mentality and Growth
“He'd make a bad pick in the next play, just bang a backside post route or drop a dime over the top. He doesn't get rattled by his mistakes, and that's important to me.”
Teddy Gerrard: The Future, Not the Present
“My expectation of him isn't to walk in and win the number two job. The future is what I'm excited for for Teddy.”
Final Thoughts: Development Over Instant Impact
The hosts conclude by reinforcing that the real story is not who wins the backup job now, but how these young quarterbacks grow over the next year. The focus should be on learning, development, and long-term readiness rather than immediate performance.
“My expectation of him isn't to walk in and win the number two job. The future is what I'm excited for for Teddy.”
“He'd make a bad pick in the next play, just bang a backside post route or drop a dime over the top. He doesn't get rattled by his mistakes, and that's important to me.”
“If you closed your eyes to everything except the ball and you didn't know where it went and you didn't know that he missed by 12 yards, like dude, that thing comes out of his hand real pretty.”
Hosts
Notre Dame
organization
CJ Carr
person
Blake Hebert
person
Noah Grubbs
person
Teddy Gerrard
person
Mike Denbrock
person
Blue Gold Game
other
Jersey Scrimmage
other
Riley Leonard
person
Steve Angeli
person
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