CJ Carr Surges to Manning Watch List | Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football News

CJ Carr, Notre Dame’s electric freshman QB from Saline, Michigan, is heating up the preseason award scene—now on the 2026 Manning Award watch list alongside Maxwell, Davey OBrien, and Johnny Unitas honors. In his debut season, he threw a TD in every one of his 12 starts, including multiple scores in nine games, plus three rushing TDs. Going 10-2 as a starter, Carr racked up 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six picks—setting a program record for passer rating. He led all returning Power Four QBs in yards per completion (14.06) and ranked second in yards per attempt and touchdown rate. With Coach Freeman’s first returning starter and high expectations for Notre Dame this year, Carr is emerging as a top national contender—and some are already whispering Heisman chatter. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/752a504a4dc0382c