Steve Angeli’s Notre Dame Spot in Jeopardy as 3,280-Yard QB’s Edge Over Riley Leonard…

Steve Angeli’s Notre Dame Spot in Jeopardy as 3,280-Yard QB’s Edge Over Riley Leonard

In the ever-changing world of college football, competition is fierce, especially for coveted positions like quarterback. Notre Dame, one of the most storied programs in college football history, has been a frequent subject of intrigue during this offseason, particularly in relation to the quarterback battle between Steve Angeli and Riley Leonard. With a deep and talented quarterback room at Notre Dame, the pressure has mounted for the young signal callers as they vie for the starting role. Steve Angeli, the rising sophomore, is facing heightened competition from Riley Leonard, the transfer quarterback from Duke, who has proven himself as one of the most efficient and productive quarterbacks in college football.

In this article, we explore the competitive landscape for Notre Dame’s quarterback position, break down the strengths and weaknesses of both players, and analyze what it means for Steve Angeli’s future in South Bend. With Leonard coming off a standout season at Duke and Angeli still seeking to establish his identity as a starter, the battle for the role of starting quarterback at Notre Dame has become one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.

The Notre Dame Quarterback Controversy

After a tumultuous season that saw Drew Pyne transfer to Arizona State and Tyler Buchner depart for the University of Alabama, Notre Dame was left with a quarterback vacancy that needed to be filled. Enter Steve Angeli, the highly touted freshman from New Jersey who had been groomed to lead the Fighting Irish’s offense in the future. Despite a promising start to his career, the competition for the starting quarterback job is far from settled, especially after the arrival of Riley Leonard.

Leonard’s transfer to Notre Dame raised eyebrows across college football, particularly due to his impressive resume at Duke. In his final season with the Blue Devils, Leonard threw for 3,280 yards and accounted for 27 total touchdowns, leading Duke to one of its best seasons in recent years. His mobility, playmaking ability, and leadership skills made him a hot commodity in the transfer portal, and his decision to join Notre Dame immediately made the quarterback battle even more intense.

Steve Angeli, who had played behind Tyler Buchner in the previous season, has the natural advantage of being a product of Notre Dame’s system. Angeli was groomed by Notre Dame’s coaching staff and has spent valuable time learning the intricacies of the offense. But Leonard, with his proven track record at Duke, brings a unique set of skills and experience that Angeli simply cannot match at this point. Leonard’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, combined with his efficiency and poise under center, gives him an edge in this battle.

Steve Angeli: The Rising Star

Steve Angeli, a former four-star recruit from St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, New Jersey, arrived at Notre Dame with high expectations. Angeli was considered one of the top quarterbacks in his recruiting class, and his blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him a promising prospect for the Fighting Irish. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Angeli has the ideal frame for a quarterback. His strong arm and ability to make all the throws required in Notre Dame’s offense have impressed the coaching staff during his time in South Bend.

In limited action during his freshman year, Angeli displayed flashes of his potential. He appeared in a few games when Tyler Buchner went down with injuries and Drew Pyne struggled to take control of the offense. However, while his moments of promise were visible, Angeli has yet to fully demonstrate that he is the player who can lead Notre Dame back into national contention. He completed 15 of 29 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown during his freshman season, but the lack of consistent play and development left many questions unanswered.

In terms of his strengths, Angeli excels at making intermediate throws and has shown a knack for moving the ball downfield. He has the arm strength to push the ball downfield and can make precise throws when he has time in the pocket. However, his consistency remains a work in progress. There are times when Angeli struggles with decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations, which is one of the main areas he needs to improve to hold onto his spot as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback.

A major area of concern for Angeli’s development has been his ability to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly. While his mechanics are solid and his athleticism is evident, there are moments when Angeli seems uncertain or slow in his decision-making. His ability to process information quickly is something that will be tested in the battle against Riley Leonard, who is already proven in these areas.

Riley Leonard: The Proven Commodity

Enter Riley Leonard, the transfer quarterback from Duke who has already proven himself to be one of the most dynamic and efficient quarterbacks in college football. Leonard took a massive leap forward during the 2023 season, throwing for 3,280 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also adding 8 rushing touchdowns. His ability to not only pass the ball effectively but also make plays with his legs has made him a dual-threat quarterback that can impact the game in multiple ways.

Leonard’s mobility is one of his most significant advantages over Angeli. While Angeli has shown some ability to move within the pocket, Leonard’s speed and vision make him a threat to break off long runs or extend plays when the pocket breaks down. His rushing ability gives Notre Dame’s offense another dimension that Angeli cannot match at this point. In addition to his rushing numbers, Leonard also posted an impressive completion percentage of 67.4%, showcasing his ability to efficiently run an offense and distribute the ball to his playmakers.

Another key strength of Leonard’s is his experience. Unlike Angeli, Leonard has spent multiple years starting at the Power Five level and has faced some of the top defenses in the country. This experience has helped him develop poise and leadership qualities, which are invaluable traits when running a high-stakes offense like the one at Notre Dame. Leonard’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute under pressure is a skill set that Angeli will have to match if he hopes to hold off Leonard for the starting role.

Leonard’s arrival at Notre Dame immediately raises the level of competition in the quarterback room. While Angeli may have a year’s worth of experience in Notre Dame’s system, Leonard’s proven track record at Duke puts him in a stronger position. If he can adapt quickly to the Fighting Irish offense and develop chemistry with his new teammates, Leonard may have a significant edge in the quarterback race.

The Battle for Notre Dame’s Starting QB Role

While both Steve Angeli and Riley Leonard bring different strengths to the table, it’s clear that Leonard enters the competition as the more polished and proven quarterback. Given Leonard’s performance at Duke and his experience in high-pressure situations, it would be hard to overlook his potential to lead Notre Dame to success in 2025.

For Angeli, the path to securing the starting role will require continued growth and development. He must improve his decision-making, become more consistent in his throws, and show that he can lead the team during critical moments. He’ll also need to impress during spring practice and in training camp, where he’ll have an opportunity to close the gap on Leonard. If Angeli can prove to the coaching staff that he has what it takes to lead the offense, he may be able to regain his position as the frontrunner for the starting job.

The coaching staff at Notre Dame is undoubtedly aware of the stakes in this quarterback battle. The 2025 season will be critical for head coach Marcus Freeman, as he looks to take the program back to the College Football Playoff and secure a spot in the national title conversation. The quarterback position will be a key factor in achieving these goals, and Freeman and his staff will need to make the right decision when it comes to choosing their leader under center.

One factor in Angeli’s favor is his deep understanding of Notre Dame’s system. Having been in the program for over a year, Angeli is familiar with the intricacies of the offense and the expectations that come with playing at Notre Dame. This experience could give him an edge over Leonard, who will need to adjust to a new system after transferring from Duke.

What Does This Mean for Notre Dame’s Future?

The quarterback position has the potential to define Notre Dame’s season, and this battle between Steve Angeli and Riley Leonard could have long-lasting implications for the future of the program. If Leonard secures the starting job, he could lead Notre Dame back into national title contention, providing the offense with the dual-threat capability it needs to compete at the highest levels. On the other hand, if Angeli emerges as the starter, the Irish will have a young quarterback with significant upside who could be the face of the program for years to come.

The outcome of this quarterback competition is critical not only for the team’s performance in 2025 but also for the future direction of the program. As the offseason progresses and the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Marcus Freeman, the coaching staff, and the two quarterbacks fighting for the starting role. With both quarterbacks bringing unique strengths to the table, the decision will be one of the most closely watched storylines in college football as Notre Dame seeks its next great signal-caller.