Kenny Minchey, a name that rings a bell for Notre Dame football fans, just made a big move. After three years with the Fighting Irish, he’s off to Kentucky and gearing up for his first season as a starting quarterback.
This article looks at Minchey’s journey, his friendship with former teammate CJ Carr, and why he picked Kentucky. For the full story, you can check it out here.
Kenny Minchey’s Journey at Notre Dame
Minchey came to Notre Dame as the 11th-ranked quarterback in the 2023 class. He showed promise, but his time there was shaped by tough timing and some serious competition.
He spent his first two seasons behind transfer quarterbacks Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard. Steve Angeli, once thought to be the “heir apparent,” also left through the transfer portal.
Early Career and Challenges
Back in high school, Minchey threw for 3,280 yards and 32 touchdowns as a junior. An injury cut his senior year short, but his strong arm and mobility still caught Notre Dame’s eye.
At Notre Dame, he didn’t see much playing time—just 10 games. He completed 23 of 29 passes for 212 yards, didn’t throw a pick, and added 96 rushing yards with a touchdown.
The Quarterback Battle
Last fall, Minchey went head-to-head with CJ Carr for the starting quarterback spot. It was a close contest that had everyone around the program watching.
Despite working hard, Minchey couldn’t beat out Carr, who then had a standout 2025 regular season.
Minchey’s Decision to Transfer
Seeing his path blocked at Notre Dame, Minchey decided it was time to look elsewhere. He entered the transfer portal and picked Kentucky, a program with a new coaching staff and big ambitions in the SEC.
He said Will Stein and Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan, both known for developing quarterbacks, played a big role in his decision.
Minchey’s Message to CJ Carr and Notre Dame
Even with the rivalry, Minchey doesn’t hold any grudges against Carr. On a podcast with On3’s Pete Nakos, he said he supports his old teammate and the whole Notre Dame squad.
*Unless we play them in the playoffs, I hope he goes out and kills it,* Minchey said. He added that he’s excited to catch Notre Dame games when he can.
Looking Forward to a New Chapter
Now, as Minchey gets ready for his first season as Kentucky’s starter, he’s feeling good about what’s ahead. *It was just that I wasn’t playing there, so that was really the main reason,* he said about leaving Notre Dame.
He’s confident that working with Stein and Sloan will help him grow as a quarterback.
Notre Dame’s Perspective
From Notre Dame’s side, Minchey’s departure feels bittersweet. They’re happy for him and wish him luck at Kentucky, but they know they’re losing a talented, hardworking player.
Notre Dame wouldn’t mind seeing Minchey on the field again—maybe in the College Football Playoff, if things go that far.
The Future for Notre Dame
CJ Carr has really settled in as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback. With him at the helm, the team’s looking ahead to what could be a pretty exciting season.
His play during the 2025 regular season has fans and coaches buzzing. There’s this real sense of optimism about making a serious postseason push—maybe even further than folks expect.
Want more details on Kenny Minchey’s transfer and what’s next for him at Kentucky? Check out the full article here.
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