Overview
- Freeman publicly praised Carr’s character and leadership during national media appearances, saying Carr is “a great human being” who makes the team better.
- On Aug. 31 Freeman told listeners that his job is to keep Carr focused on preparation and teammates rather than Heisman talk or personal accolades.
- Carr enters 2026 off a breakout 2025 season in which he started 12 regular-season games, went 10-2 as a starter, and passed for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns.
- Notre Dame opens the season Sept. 6 at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin, a game Freeman’s message seeks to steady expectations for ahead of a schedule some analysts call light on marquee tests.
- The coach’s public push to manage pressure follows significant roster turnover to the NFL and the transfer portal and is meant to protect Carr’s development while helping Notre Dame’s playoff perception, with a key late-season test at Miami on Nov. 7 noted by analysts.