Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr spent the summer playing ping pong and golf, hanging out with teammates and, of course, refining his football skills. He was too busy competing to pay attention to what everyone else was saying — that he could be a Heisman Trophy candidate or the fourth-ranked Fighting Irish could end their national championship drought. Now he's about to show everyone what he's learned, how he's progressed and what he's capable of in Year 2. The first test comes Sept. 6 when Notre Dame plays Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.

After reaching the 2024 CFP championship game and last year’s surprise absence from the 12-team playoff field, the Fighting Irish begin this season still looking to end their national championship drought. Their last one came in 1988, the longest streak in more than a century, and if No. 4 Notre Dame finishes in the top 12 of the selection committee’s final rankings this year, they are assured of making the playoffs. But with this roster, the Irish may not need the guarantee. Quarterback C.J. Carr is generating Heisman Trophy buzz following a prolific 2025 season. Defensive lineman Boubacar Traore and All-American defensive back Leonard Moore lead a unit that returns nine of its 10 tacklers. The quest begins Sept. 6 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.