You know those players who just seem like they’re built for South Bend? The ones who bleed blue and gold, wait their turn, and then actually deliver when the lights are brightest? Steve Angeli was supposed to be that guy. He was the local kid from Bergen Catholic, a Jersey powerhouse, coming in with the kind of "pro-style" polish that makes coaches drool.
But college football in 2026 isn't the same game it was even five years ago. Staying at one school for four years is basically an anomaly now. For Angeli, his time with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish was a mix of brilliant flashes and the harsh reality of the transfer portal era.
The Backup Hero: That Penn State Moment
People forget how close Notre Dame came to disaster in the 2024 Orange Bowl semifinal. Riley Leonard, the big-name transfer from Duke who had basically locked Angeli out of the starting job, went down late in the second quarter. The Irish were trailing 10-0. The season was on the line.
Angeli stepped in, cold off the bench. He didn’t blink.
He went 6-of-7 for 44 yards on a drive that felt like it lasted a lifetime. It wasn't flashy, but it was surgical. He marched them down for a field goal right as the half ended, shifting the entire momentum of the game. Leonard eventually came back, but without those three points from Angeli, the Irish might not have scraped out that 27-24 win.
Honestly, it was the peak of his Notre Dame career. It showed everyone that he had the "it" factor, even if he didn't have the starting job.
Why Steve Angeli Left Notre Dame
So, why did a guy who was clearly talented enough to win big games decide to pack his bags? Basically, it came down to a crowded room. After the 2024 season, head coach Marcus Freeman was looking at a three-way battle for 2025.
- CJ Carr: The highly-touted freshman with the legendary bloodline.
- Kenny Minchey: A dynamic athlete who fit the new offensive scheme perfectly.
- Steve Angeli: The reliable veteran.
Freeman eventually made it clear: he didn't want to go into the fall with a three-man race. He wanted to narrow it down to two. After the 2025 Blue-Gold Game, the writing was on the wall. Carr and Minchey were the future. Angeli, despite his 772 career passing yards and 10 touchdowns for the Irish, was the odd man out.
He entered the transfer portal in April 2025 as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility left. It was a "mutual" move, but you could tell it stung the fan base. He was a favorite.
Life After South Bend: The Syracuse Chapter
Angeli didn't stay on the market long. He headed to Syracuse to play for Fran Brown. And for a second there, it looked like he was going to be the absolute steal of the portal.
In just four games with the Orange, he put up numbers that dwarfed his entire Notre Dame career. He threw for 1,317 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing nearly 63% of his passes. He even led Syracuse to a historic win over Clemson in Death Valley.
Then, disaster.
A torn Achilles ended his 2025 season in an instant. It was brutal to watch. One minute he's one of the most productive QBs in the country, the next he's on a scooter on the sidelines.
The NIL Power Move
Even with the injury, Angeli’s brand didn't take a hit. In late 2025, he signed a massive NIL deal with Powerade. He became one of the faces of their "It Takes More" campaign. It’s a testament to the respect he earned—not just at Notre Dame, but in the way he handled the Syracuse transition.
Brands like Powerade aren't just looking for stats; they're looking for the "toughness" narrative. Angeli, the guy who waited his turn at ND and then fought back from a season-ending injury, fits that perfectly.
What Most People Get Wrong About Angeli
A lot of fans think Angeli "couldn't win" the job at Notre Dame because he lacked the talent. That's a lazy take.
The reality? He was a pocket passer in an era where Marcus Freeman and Mike Denbrock were pivoting hard toward dual-threat mobility. If this was 2012, Angeli might have been a three-year starter in South Bend. He didn't lose the job because he was bad; he lost it because the "scheme fit" shifted under his feet.
Key Stats from the Steve Angeli Era:
- Notre Dame (2023-2024): 58/80 passing, 772 yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT.
- Syracuse (2025): 98/156 passing, 1,317 yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs (in only 4 games).
- Career Best: 232 yards and 3 TDs in the 2023 Sun Bowl win over Oregon State.
What’s Next in 2026?
As we sit here in early 2026, Angeli is the biggest "what if" in the ACC. He’s expected to return from that Achilles injury for his final year of eligibility. Syracuse is basically betting their entire 2026 season on his recovery.
If you're a Notre Dame fan, you’re still rooting for him. He’s the guy who did everything right, stayed patient, and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time for a starting role.
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Next Steps for Fans Following Angeli:
- Watch the Rehab Reports: Achilles injuries are tricky for QBs who need to plant and throw. Follow Syracuse beat writers like Cooper Andrews for updates on his mobility.
- Monitor the Portal: Since Angeli is the "incumbent" but coming off injury, see if Syracuse brings in a high-level backup. That will tell you everything you need to know about his recovery status.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Syracuse plays some big-time games this year; if Angeli is 100%, he’s a dark horse for All-ACC honors.