Notre Dame quarterback commit Champ Monds is a rising star in the world of high school football. His recent performance in the preseason kickoff classic game against West Palm Beach (Fla.) Cardinal Newman has put him in the spotlight once again. Monds, a 6-2.5, 219-pound athlete, showcased his skills by completing 13 of 25 passes for 210 yards and one passing touchdown. He also led his team to a 28-7 victory, solidifying his status as a dual-threat quarterback.
What makes Monds' story particularly intriguing is his journey through the ranks. Originally, his 2025 season was supposed to be his sophomore year, but he reclassified to the 2027 cycle, making his 2026 season his senior year. This reclassification has caused some fluctuations in his rankings, as he is now ranked No. 215 overall and No. 17 quarterback by Rivals. Despite this, Monds' talent is undeniable.
In his freshman season, Monds threw for 2,234 yards and 23 touchdowns, completing 181 of 268 passes with five interceptions. He also ran 142 times for 502 yards and nine rushing scores, earning him the TCPalm Offensive Player of the Year award. However, his 2025 season was cut short due to injuries, and he only threw 63 passes last year.
Rivals director of scouting and rankings Charles Power acknowledges the challenge of evaluating Monds. Power highlights his impressive physical tools, including a 4.7 40-yard dash time and large hands. The lack of recent on-field context due to the truncated 2025 season has made it difficult to assess Monds' true potential.
Monds' future at Notre Dame is promising. As he prepares to graduate in December and enroll in January, the Irish pledge is set for a big senior season. His dual-threat abilities and impressive statistics make him a player to watch in the upcoming college football season. Monds' story serves as a reminder that rankings can be misleading, and it's the on-field performance that truly matters.
