Joe Theismann talks CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey’s Kentucky transfer, Notre Dame’s CFP snub, Marcus Freeman’s future, and more
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Joe Theismann talks CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey’s Kentucky transfer, Notre Dame’s CFP snub, Marcus Freeman’s future, and more originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback and College Football Hall of Famer Joe Theismann believes his alma mater's Heisman hopeful under center, CJ Carr, is every bit as good as advertised. Thiesmann also commented on whether coach Marcus Freeman would be staying in South Bend for a good while longer or explore a move to the NFL or his alma mater, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
These were just a few of the things Theismann and I discussed in support of the upcoming 2026 American Century Championship, which takes place July 8-12 at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Stateline, Nevada. Theismann is one of over 90 celebrities taking part in the annual golf tournament.
Theismann also discussed former Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey’s transfer to the Kentucky Wildcats, whether Brian Kelly has a future in Power 4 coaching, and who the QB could be in 2027 after Carr, assuming he is selected in the 2027 NFL draft.
On Notre Dame QB1 CJ Carr’s Heisman hype…
“I think it's definitely justifiable. I think there is going to be a lot more on his shoulders than there was a year ago. You know, last year you had Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love back there, and it was basically a lot of touchdowns scored, a lot of big runs, a lot of great plays by those two running backs. I think CJ is going to be asked to do more, especially throwing the ball down the field. Defensively, I know we're going to be as good as we've been…
“Marcus has this team confident a bit after what happened with the College Football Playoff a year ago and being left out, even though we earned the right to be there… don't get me started on that…I really like the position of the University of Notre Dame. As I said, I think we're going to come with vengeance this year.”
On which team shouldn’t have made the CFP field over Notre Dame…
“Alabama. They had three losses. The big thing that rubbed me the wrong way was how the decision was made. Both Miami and Notre Dame did not play the week before, but the committee moved Miami up. Why did you wait until the 11th hour to be able to make that choice?
“I mean, Alabama was a three-loss team. We saw what happened in the playoff. Alabama really didn't look like a team that deserved to be there either. So from my perspective, I think that the other teams, the way it was set up, earned the right to be there. I think with three losses, you don't earn the right to be there…
“They were pushing for it. I mean, you could tell through the broadcast that they were pushing for them to be there. That's the thing about broadcasting, and I spent 23 years doing it, is that you can sense, in listening to different announcers, you can sense the direction that they want things to go. It's almost like they're trying to will certain situations out there.”
On former Notre Dame backup QB Kenny Minchey’s transfer to Kentucky…
“I really feel like he has a lot of talent. I think spending the year at Notre Dame was really good for him, even though he didn't play. He got a chance to participate. It's funny, you know, professional football is becoming like college football. You don't have a lot of time to be able to get yourself ready…
“You're only allowed 20 practices in collegiate football. Now they've cut down preseason games at the pro level to three, and your OTAs are limited. I think he's going to get a chance to be able to show his skill set down there (in Kentucky). I think he throws the ball well, he’s very athletic, and I'm excited for his future.”
On if Notre Dame’s QB1 next year will be Blake Herbert, Noah Grubbs, a transfer, or incoming reclassified 2027 QB Wonderful Monds IV…
“It could come from anywhere. That's the crazy thing about college football today. It could actually come from almost anywhere. And that's really what we’re dealing with, kids that are just transferring from provided opportunities…
“I think it's not been a healthy thing. Guys decide that, well, ‘I don't want to compete for a job. Let me just go somewhere else.’ I don't see that serving them well in the future of their lives…I just think Notre Dame’s starter could come from anywhere.”
On if Marcus Freeman will eventually leave Notre Dame for the NFL or Ohio State…
“Anything is possible, to be honest with you, but I mean, Marcus is committed to the university, and the university is committed to him. I was thrilled that he made the decision early to say, ‘Hey, look, I'm going to be the coach of the University of Notre Dame’ early on in the cycle…
“I love him as a person. I love the culture he's built there at the university. I think it's just been something really special to watch…And the way his men conduct themselves and the way they practice, the way they play. Everything about him is just class, and I’m thrilled that he’s our coach.”
On if Brian Kelly has a future in Power 4 football as a coach…
“It's hard. It's really hard to tell what they're looking for. I don't know what universities are looking for…Brian had a heck of a record at the University of Notre Dame. He built it over time. At LSU, there wasn't a time frame that seemed to work out. I think it revolves around the athletes you have; the quarterback that you have makes a world of difference.”
On his pick to win the 2026 American Century Championship…
“I think this is Annika's year. I like Annika (Sorenstam). I think Mardy Fish is another one. Mardy's been so close for so many years. Steph Curry’s back, he won a couple of years ago. Tony Romo hasn't been that healthy the last couple of years. I think he's another one, but I'm leaning towards Annika.”
On what else to know about the 2026 American Century Championship…
“American Century Investments has raised over $8,000,000 in the area via the American Century Championship, and also for the Stowers Institute. We also have a new feature that we added last year: the American Century Championship fantasy golf contest. And coming up in June, you'll be able to log on to ACCfantasygolf.com…
“The players are broken down into five groups. You get to choose a player from each group and put them on your team. You can change every day if you like. If you win that particular day, you get two tickets to next year's tournament. If you win the overall, you will wind up with a $10,000 check that you can donate to a charity of your choice. And obviously, NBC and Peacock are where it'll be. There's a $750,000 prize purse…
“We're expecting close to 70,000 people, as we've had in the past. It's going to be fun.”
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