CJ Carr, the quarterback leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is currently the favorite to capture the 2026 Heisman Trophy, a prize that has eluded the school for nearly four decades.
A Historic Opportunity
In the 2025 season he completed 66.7% of his passes for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns, numbers that have sparked early Heisman chatter among analysts and fans alike.
The last Irish player to win the award was Tim Brown in 1987, and before him legends such as Angelo Bertelli, Paul Hornung and John Huarte left their mark on the accolade’s history.
Despite the excitement, Carr acknowledges that Notre Dame’s schedule this year is relatively soft, a factor that could limit the visibility of his performances in the eyes of Heisman voters.
He has already earmarked the season opener against Wisconsin on September 6 at Lambeau Field as a crucial early test, emphasizing the need to start fast and make an immediate impact.
If Carr can translate his early-season momentum into sustained excellence, he could become the first Notre Dame quarterback to win the Heisman since the legendary Tim Brown, revitalizing a tradition that has defined the program’s prestige.