Steve Angeli’s Departure: A Loyal Notre Dame QB Seeks New Horizons in the Transfer Portal

On April 17, 2025, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football fans received bittersweet news: quarterback Steve Angeli, a steadfast presence in the program, has entered the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer. The announcement, first reported by 247Sports and confirmed by ESPN, marks the end of Angeli’s tenure in South Bend, where he embodied the spirit of a “Notre Dame Man” through loyalty, resilience, and clutch performances. As the Irish pivot toward a new era at quarterback, Angeli’s decision opens a new chapter for both the player and the program.

A Loyal Backup with a Big Impact

Steve Angeli arrived at Notre Dame in 2022 as a highly regarded recruit from Westfield, New Jersey, bringing a traditional pocket-passing style and a commitment to the university’s values. Over three seasons, he served as the primary backup to transfer quarterbacks Sam Hartman (2023) and Riley Leonard (2024), patiently waiting for his opportunity to lead the Irish offense. Despite limited starting opportunities, Angeli’s loyalty to Notre Dame never wavered, even as the program leaned on portal additions at the quarterback position.

In a 2023 interview, Angeli expressed his deep connection to Notre Dame, saying, “I chose Notre Dame for the place and for the people. That’s at my heart of hearts what I believe in.” His decision to stay, even when the transfer portal offered quicker paths to starting roles elsewhere, resonated with fans who admired his dedication to the team’s culture and mission.

Angeli’s on-field contributions, though often in relief or mop-up duty, were far from insignificant. He etched his name in Notre Dame lore during the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Stepping in for an injured Riley Leonard late in the second quarter, Angeli led a critical 52-yard scoring drive, completing 6 of 7 passes and converting three third downs to set up a field goal that cut Penn State’s lead to 10-3 at halftime. That drive sparked Notre Dame’s comeback, securing a 27-24 victory and a trip to the national championship game.

Angeli also showcased his potential as a starter in the 2023 Sun Bowl against Oregon State, where he threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-8 rout. His performance in a 66-7 blowout over Purdue in 2024, where he tossed for 100 yards and two scores, further demonstrated his readiness to lead an offense. With 722 career passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and two years of eligibility remaining, Angeli is poised to be a coveted addition to any program seeking a proven quarterback.

The Transfer Portal Decision

Angeli’s decision to enter the transfer portal comes after a competitive spring practice in 2025, where he vied for the starting role against redshirt freshman CJ Carr and redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey. The three-way battle, described by head coach Marcus Freeman as featuring “three guys that all can lead the program to a victory,” was intense but inconclusive. During the Blue-Gold spring game on April 12, Angeli went 8-of-11 for 108 yards and a touchdown, showing poise but not definitively claiming the QB1 spot.

With Carr, a former blue-chip recruit and the grandson of Michigan legend Lloyd Carr, emerging as the frontrunner, and Minchey showing promise, Angeli likely saw limited opportunities to start in 2025. As a graduate transfer, he now seeks a program where he can take the reins as a full-time starter, leveraging his experience and leadership to elevate a new team.

The move reflects the realities of modern college football, where the transfer portal offers players like Angeli a chance to maximize their potential. Notre Dame’s quarterback room, bolstered by young talent like Carr and Minchey, is well-positioned to move forward, but Angeli’s departure underscores the depth and competition that has elevated the program under Freeman.

What’s Next for Angeli and Notre Dame?

For Steve Angeli, the transfer portal opens a world of possibilities. His experience, highlighted by high-stakes performances in the Orange Bowl and Sun Bowl, makes him an attractive option for programs seeking a quarterback with a high floor and untapped potential. Speculation has already begun about potential destinations, with some suggesting a fit at a Power 4 school looking to bridge to a younger quarterback or a Group of 5 program where he could immediately compete for a conference title.

Analysts like Fox Sports’ Greg McElroy previously compared Angeli’s potential to that of LSU’s Joe Burrow, noting his “outrageously high” ceiling if given the chance to lead an offense. Wherever he lands, Angeli’s quick release, pocket presence, and clutch performances suggest he could thrive with a talented supporting cast.

For Notre Dame, Angeli’s exit narrows the quarterback competition to Carr and Minchey, setting the stage for a pivotal offseason. Carr, ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the 2024 ESPN 300, is the favorite to start when the Irish open the 2025 season against Miami, followed by a tough home game against Texas A&M. Freeman’s decision to stay in-house rather than pursue another transfer quarterback signals confidence in the program’s homegrown talent, a shift from recent years.

A Legacy of Loyalty

Steve Angeli’s time at Notre Dame may not have culminated in a starting role, but his legacy is one of loyalty, preparation, and impact in critical moments. He embraced the university’s values, supported his teammates, and delivered when called upon, earning the respect of coaches, players, and fans alike. As Barstool Irish posted on X, “An absolute warrior with an unforgettable drive to help bring Notre Dame to the national championship. Thank you for everything Steve and best of luck ☘️.”

As Angeli embarks on his next journey, Notre Dame fans will undoubtedly cheer for the quarterback who gave his all to the Fighting Irish. His departure is not an end but a new beginning, both for a talented player seeking his moment and for a program poised to build on its recent success. Here’s to Steve Angeli, a true Notre Dame Man, and to the bright future awaiting him on and off the field.

Here are som of his highlights: