Overview
- Carr’s showing at the Manning Passing Academy drew standout praise from NFL draft analyst Todd McShay, who called him the event MVP “wasn’t even close,” and multiple reports said Peyton and Eli Manning used Carr as a demonstration example.
- The Manning Academy acclaim followed Carr’s 2025 starter season in which he completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games, a statistical base analysts cite when praising his mechanics.
- EA Sports rated Carr a 92 overall in College Football 27 and FanDuel listed him as the favorite for the Heisman, moves that have amplified national expectations for Carr and Notre Dame.
- Analysts and outlets caution that camp settings are controlled drills without pads or live pass rush, and some preseason evaluators remain more conservative — 247Sports placed Carr at No. 7 among 2026 quarterbacks — so the hype is not unanimous.
- With Notre Dame losing key NFL-bound rushers, the offense will rely more on Carr’s passing this fall and his play in the 2026 season will be the decisive factor for Heisman, playoff and NFL draft projections.