In a significant development for Notre Dame football, quarterback Steve Angeli is set to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, effectively narrowing the Fighting Irish's quarterback competition to just two candidates. This decision comes after a competitive spring practice period where Angeli battled alongside freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey for the starting position.
Angeli, who has been with the program for three seasons, was seen as the most experienced option among the trio. Despite his experience, both Carr and Minchey showcased impressive performances in the recent Blue-Gold Game, leading to Angeli's decision to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Last season, Angeli served as the backup to Riley Leonard, stepping up in crucial moments, including a standout performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State. In that game, Angeli entered the field when Leonard was sidelined due to a head injury, completing 6 of 7 passes for 44 yards, contributing significantly to a drive that ended in a field goal just before halftime. The Irish went on to win that game 27-24, a key victory that propelled them further into the postseason.
Throughout his tenure at Notre Dame, Angeli has demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable quarterback. In 21 appearances, he completed 58 of 80 passes, boasting a remarkable 72.5% completion rate, with a total of 772 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and only one interception. His performance in the 2023 Sun Bowl, where he led the Irish to a dominant 40-8 victory over Oregon State, further solidified his reputation as a dependable player.
During the Blue-Gold Game held on April 12, 2025, Angeli completed 8 of 11 passes for 108 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Scrap Richardson. Despite this, his performance was overshadowed by the impressive showings from both Carr and Minchey, who appeared to have closed the experience gap with Angeli.
Head coach Marcus Freeman had previously indicated a desire to narrow the quarterback battle to two players by August 2025. With Angeli's departure, the competition will now focus on Carr and Minchey. Carr, a highly touted recruit from the 2024 class, demonstrated his potential by completing 14 of 19 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game, despite throwing one interception. Meanwhile, Minchey showcased his dual-threat capabilities, completing 7 of 15 passes for 106 yards and adding a rushing touchdown.
Angeli's decision to enter the transfer portal is not just about seeking playing time; it reflects the competitive nature of college football, where players are often forced to make tough decisions for their careers. The NCAA Transfer Portal serves as a mechanism for players to explore opportunities at other programs, with Angeli entering as a graduate transfer. He still has two years of eligibility remaining, which should attract interest from other programs looking for an experienced quarterback.
As the Fighting Irish prepare for the upcoming season, the loss of Angeli means they will need to rely heavily on the development of Carr and Minchey. Both quarterbacks have shown promise, but they will need to step up significantly to fill the void left by Angeli's departure.
In the wake of Angeli's decision, Freeman will need to reassess the team's strategy and ensure that the remaining quarterbacks are prepared to lead the Irish into the fall season. The pressure is now on Carr and Minchey to prove they can handle the responsibilities of being the starting quarterback, as they vie for the top spot on the depth chart.
Angeli's departure marks the end of an era for the Fighting Irish, as he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination. His contributions to the team will not be forgotten, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see where he lands next.
As the transfer portal remains open until April 25, 2025, Angeli will have the opportunity to evaluate his options and choose a program that best fits his aspirations and skill set. The college football landscape is ever-changing, and player movements like this one are becoming increasingly common as athletes seek the best paths for their careers.
Notre Dame will continue to forge ahead, focusing on the development of its remaining quarterbacks and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming season. With a strong recruiting class and a commitment to excellence, the Fighting Irish are poised to remain competitive in the college football landscape.
