Before Kenny Minchey became Kentucky’s budding star quarterback, he was in the midst of a battle with CJ Carr to be named Notre Dame’s top signal caller before the 2025 season.
Of course, coach Marcus Freeman ultimately picked Carr as his No. 1 QB. Minchey ultimately entered the transfer portal after the season and soon became the starter for the Wildcats.
It turned out to be the best move that Minchey, a Tennessee native, could ever make.
The gunslinger so far has led the ‘Cats to a 5-1 record, including an upset win over previously-ranked No. 8 Texas A&M. Through those games, Minchey has completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,394 yards, 11 touchdowns and an interception and a rushing score to go along with it.
Minchey was the hero in Kentucky’s thrilling
overtime victories against South Carolina and No. 10 LSU the last two weekends, as he was responsible for consecutive game-winning 2-point conversions.
Despite not donning the blue and gold anymore, Freeman is still one of Minchey’s biggest supporters. The coach praised his former Irish QB at his press conference on Monday.
Freeman made sure to catch Minchey on TV in time on Saturday night against LSU after No. 2 Notre Dame came off a win over Stanford earlier in the day.
“I did get home in time to watch maybe the last two minutes of that Kentucky (vs. LSU) game,” Freeman said. “You talk about a proud coach, man.”
Freeman noted he’s watched Minchey closely since his departure from South Bend, noting how good the QB is in two-minute situations.
“I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Freeman added. “Kenny is a dang good quarterback and a heck of a football player. I’m not surprised one bit by the success he’s having, and I hope he continues to have that success and that program does too.”
Minchey played for Notre Dame in 2023-25. He was 23-of-29 on completions for 212 yards and had 96 rushing yards and two scores in 10 total games for the Irish.
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said he got him Saturday in time to see former QB Kenny Minchey lead Kentucky over LSU in overtime.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 12, 2026
"I couldn't be more proud for him. ... Kenny is a dang good quarterback and a heck of a football player. I hope he continues to have that success."
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Freeman gives shoutout to ex-Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey: 'Dang good'
