As the 2025 college football season approaches, Notre Dame is facing a significant shift in its quarterback lineup. Senior quarterback Steve Angeli has announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, a move that reshapes the dynamics of the Fighting Irish's quarterback competition. Angeli, who served as a backup to Riley Leonard during the 2024 season, was seen by many as a frontrunner for the starting position. However, after being outperformed by redshirt freshman CJ Carr and redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey during spring practices, Angeli's departure has paved the way for a new era at quarterback for Notre Dame.
Angeli, who spent three seasons with the Fighting Irish, had a solid but limited career at Notre Dame. He completed 58 of 80 pass attempts for 772 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception. His most notable performance came during the 2023 Sun Bowl, where he started and led Notre Dame to a commanding 40-8 victory over Oregon State, completing 15 of 19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. He also made a significant impact in last season's Orange Bowl, where he stepped in for Leonard and completed 6 of 7 passes for 44 yards, helping the team secure a comeback victory against Penn State, 27-24, and advance to the national championship game.
Despite these accomplishments, Angeli's playing time diminished after the arrival of Leonard, who transferred in and took over as the starter. In the 2024 season, Angeli appeared in 11 games, completing 24 of 36 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. However, his lack of game time and competition from the younger quarterbacks ultimately led him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
With Angeli's exit, the starting job is now firmly in the hands of Carr and Minchey. Both quarterbacks have shown promise in spring practices, with Carr being a standout performer. Carr, a member of the 2024 recruiting class, was the top player in Michigan and ranked as the No. 4 pro-style quarterback in his class. He has already garnered attention for his impressive skills and leadership potential. Minchey, who joined the program in the 2023 recruiting class, was ranked as the No. 12 pro-style quarterback and has also made significant strides in his development.
This transition marks a critical moment for Notre Dame's program, as head coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized the need for a clear direction in the quarterback competition. Following the spring game, Freeman expressed his desire to narrow the competition down to two players, stating, "It’s really hard with truly having a three-quarterback battle." With Angeli's departure, that goal has been achieved, allowing Carr and Minchey to focus on securing the starting position.
In the recent Blue-Gold Game, Carr showcased his potential, completing 14 of 19 passes for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Minchey, on the other hand, went 6 of 14 for 106 yards and contributed with a rushing touchdown. Their performances indicate that both players are ready to compete for the starting role, and their development will be closely monitored as the season approaches.
The loss of Angeli, while a blow to the team's experience, opens the door for fresh talent and a new dynamic in the quarterback room. Notre Dame also has true freshman Blake Hebert and walk-on Anthony Rezac, adding depth to the roster. Furthermore, there is the possibility of former starting quarterback Tyler Buchner moving back to the position if the coaching staff feels the need for additional experience. Buchner, who has started three games in his career, could provide a valuable asset to the team.
As the Fighting Irish prepare for their opening game against Miami and the subsequent home opener against Texas A&M, the pressure is on Carr and Minchey to step up and lead the team. The competition for the starting quarterback position has intensified, and both players will need to demonstrate their ability to handle the pressure of leading a storied program like Notre Dame.
Angeli's departure signifies a shift in Notre Dame's quarterback strategy, as the program aims to close the gap with college football's elite teams. With a focus on developing young talent and fostering competition, the Fighting Irish are positioning themselves for a successful 2025 season. As the coaching staff evaluates the progress of Carr and Minchey, fans can expect an exciting and competitive lead-up to the season opener.
In conclusion, the departure of Steve Angeli marks the end of an era for Notre Dame's quarterback room, but it also heralds the beginning of a new chapter. With CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey vying for the starting position, the Fighting Irish are set to enter the 2025 season with renewed energy and a commitment to excellence on the field. The upcoming games will not only test the mettle of these young quarterbacks but also define the future trajectory of Notre Dame football.
