Steve Angeli Hit the Transfer Portal, Set to Replace 8,555-Yard QB in Bold ACC Move
Notre Dame football has always been a blend of legacy and high-stakes drama, and its quarterback carousel never stops spinning. In a dramatic turn, Steve Angeli has entered the transfer portal, ready to write his next chapter. The steady-handed QB, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action, is now on the move, searching for a new home where he can finally take the reins.
Angeli’s 2024 season didn’t make headlines, but it did show his knack for managing games. Across 11 outings, he threw for 268 yards and 3 touchdowns without a single interception—an underrated feat in today’s game. His mobility, though, was nearly nonexistent, with just 9 rushing yards on 9 carries. Still, his poise in the Orange Bowl against Penn State stood out. When Riley Leonard went down, Angeli stepped in, calmly completing 6 of 7 passes for 44 yards and leading the Irish to a key field goal before halftime. Not flashy, but definitely effective.
That performance now becomes part of Notre Dame history. On April 17, Angeli officially entered the transfer portal. Just seven days later, he announced on X that he had signed with Syracuse, writing simply: “Onward. #9.” Now, all eyes are on the Orange 🍊, where Angeli is expected to replace star QB Kyle McCord—who left for the NFL after throwing for a career 8,555 yards. McCord set a sky-high standard, and while Angeli’s numbers pale in comparison, his reliability and composure offer Syracuse something to build on.
Circle November 22 on the calendar—Notre Dame’s Senior Day. Angeli will return to South Bend wearing orange, potentially facing off against the team that never gave him full control. Will he rise to the moment and outplay his former squad, or will the Irish defense remind him why he left? Either way, head coach Fran Brown seems content with his new quarterback, joking he’s just hoping to avoid another post-loss cold shower.
So, why did Angeli leave Notre Dame? It comes down to a numbers game. Head coach Marcus Freeman found himself juggling too many quarterbacks—Angeli, CJ Carr, and Kenny Minchey—all vying for limited reps. With Riley Leonard out of eligibility, the starting job was open, but Freeman preferred to narrow the competition to two signal-callers.
Despite showing promise in moments like the Penn State semifinal and a three-touchdown Sun Bowl start, Angeli couldn’t cement himself as the top guy. Whether Freeman played mentor or executioner depends on your view—but there’s no doubt he had tough decisions to make.
Now, Steve Angeli heads to Syracuse—the cool-headed, underrated QB who never quite got his shot at Notre Dame. His 2024 stats might not scream “star,” but his grit and game sense earned him respect. Following McCord’s 4,779-yard performance last season won’t be easy, but Angeli might just be the underdog who brings a fresh edge to the Orange offense.
