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Notre Dame Football: 3 freshmen who could start in 2021

By Dante Pryor

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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May 1, 2021; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) throws in the third quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2021; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) throws in the third quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tyler Buchner, QB

No player on this list has more pressure to be great than California native quarterback Tyler Buchner. Any time Jack Coan (Wisconsin transfer and likely starter this fall) makes a mistake or does not have enough arm to make a throw downfield, the chants begin.

Coupled with a supporting cast that continues to get better, Buchner has Irish fans believing he’s the one that could lead them to their first national title since 1988-89. Though COVID-19 robbed Buchner or playing against tougher competition, his junior year is something from a video game.

After an ACL tear ended his sophomore season early, Buchner attacked his rehab and entered his junior year of high school ready to play. And did he ever play. Buchner threw for over 4,000 yards and had 81 total touchdowns. That 81 is not a typo, ladies and gentlemen.

Buchner came to campus early since The pandemic canceled high school football in most of California. Buchner was solid during the spring game and is going to push Coan all summer.

The one thing working against Buchner is that he has not played football, and Buchner did not play top competition in California. However, Kelly and his staff could face a difficult decision if Buchner develops this summer and during the season.

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