DeShone Kizer announced Wednesday that he will start at quarterback for Notre Dame on Saturday against Nevada.
The news puts to rest, for now at least, the two-quarterback system the Irish abandoned after a little more than a half of Sunday's 50-47, double-overtime loss at Texas.
Kizer said Kelly informed him of the decision Wednesday.
"He decided this weekend that I was going to get the first snap," Kizer said. "He kind of congratulated me on fighting through the process and encouraged me to maintain the same mindset. He ensured me I'd be the guy on Saturday."
Which makes Malik Zaire the clear No. 2.
Kizer, who started 11 games last season after Zaire went down with a broken ankle, made the decision easy for the Notre Dame coaching staff by virtue of his 292 total yards, including 215 passing, and six touchdowns (five passing) Sunday. Zaire had 23 total yards and zero scores.
Kizer said both quarterbacks met individually with Kelly on Wednesday and hadn't talked to each other about the decision.
Neither was happy when Kelly announced long before the Texas game that the Irish would employ the two-quarterback system.
"As of now I'm expected to be the only guy," Kizer said. "We'll see how the game goes. Malik is an amazing athlete. There's going to come a time where you're definitely going to see him on the field, I believe.
"All I know is be prepared to be the starter. That's what I plan to do."
