Marcus Freeman admits Tyler Buchner move back to quarterback is 'under consideration'

After Steve Angeli‘s not-entirely-unexpected decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal last week, Notre Dame‘s quarterback room is a man down coming out of Spring practice. But at least according to head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish might not have to look far for his replacement.

Freeman confirmed there have been ongoing conversations with former quarterback-turned-receiver Tyler Buchner — who returned to the Notre Dame football team last Summer as a walk-on after helping the Irish lacrosse team to a national championship — to resume his quarterback duties.

“Yeah, it’s something we’ve discussed,” Freeman admitted during Wednesday’s press conference. “We’ll look at the total number of arms, bodies that have to practice (with), but it’s definitely under consideration to be able to move Tyler back into the quarterback room as we look into Summer and Fall camp.”

Buchner originally signed with Notre Dame as a four-star quarterback recruit and the No. 93 overall player in the country in the class of 2021, per the On3 Industry Rankings. As a freshman, Buchner threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns while adding 336 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

After missing much of the 2022 with an injury, Buchner transferred to Alabama but saw minimal playing time during the 2023 season in Tuscaloosa. Buchner then opted to walk away from football entirely, returning to Notre Dame as a member of its lacrosse team. Of course, he wasn’t really done with football, and now it appears Buchner could find himself behind center again for the Irish.

Marcus Freeman after Steve Angeli departure: ‘I believe there has to be one guy’

Following the Steve Angeli departure, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was firm in saying there has to be one starting quarterback. The idea of two was floated to Freeman during his presser Wednesday, featuring CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey both getting time.

However, Freeman doesn’t like any type of two-quarterback system. One of Carr or Minchey will emerge as the starter rather than both rotating in-season.

Carr was one of the crown jewels of the Class of 2024, a four-star quarterback. He was projected to be a future long-term starter for Notre Dame.

“We’re going to have a starter. … I’m not a huge proponent of having truly ‘two starters,’” Freeman said, via Tyler Horka. “I believe there has to be one guy who’s the starting quarterback.”

Carr doesn’t have an official pass yet, but Minchey has gotten on the field in the last two years. He’s completed three-of-three passes for 16 yards across four games in two seasons.

— On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.