Who will be Notre Dame’s starting quarterback in 2023?
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (BVM) – Since the departure of Ian Book in 2020, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have had three starting quarterbacks in the past two seasons as they have searched for consistent play under center. In 2021, senior transfer Jack Coan was the guy, and he put up a relatively strong season with over 3,000 passing yards.
In 2022, young quarterbacks Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne competed for the starting job. Ultimately, Buchner won the competition, but after he was injured in the second game of the season, Pyne was forced into duty. Taking over a team that started 0-2 despite high expectations, Pyne helped steer the ship in the right direction, going 8-2 as a starter while throwing for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns.
With Buchner on track to return for Notre Dame’s bowl matchup against South Carolina, though, and rumblings that the Fighting Irish would look to bring in a new signal-caller via the transfer portal, Pyne officially entered the portal himself last month. Soon after, he announced he would be moving on to Arizona State.
🔱 #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/QzGJb0GT8D
— Drew Pyne (@dpyne10) December 19, 2022
As a result, Notre Dame’s quarterback situation continues to be somewhat uncertain heading into 2023.
However, Buchner may have staked his claim as the leader in the clubhouse to start in 2023 after his performance against South Carolina in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl as he threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, also rushing for 61 yards and two additional scores. While he did also throw three interceptions and take two sacks, the sophomore quarterback led the Irish to a 45-38 win as the game’s MVP.
Buchner to Evans
Back up 7️⃣#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/59Slvz5F9K
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 31, 2022
Buchner’s upside could very well lead him to a chance as Notre Dame’s starter once again in 2023. But, it is also possible the Fighting Irish look in a different direction, whether that is someone already on the roster, an incoming four-star freshman, or a transfer. Here’s a closer look at Notre Dame’s quarterback options for 2023.
