Notre Dame Fans React to Steve Angeli Entering the Transfer Portal

On April 17, 2025, news broke that Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli had entered the NCAA transfer portal. It didn’t take long for the fanbase to react — with a mix of disappointment, understanding, and reflection on a career that had sparked hope, delivered in key moments, and left many wondering what could have been.

Angeli’s decision to explore other opportunities comes in the wake of a competitive quarterback room, where five-star freshman CJ Carr and redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey were also vying for the top spot. With no clear starter named coming out of spring camp, Angeli opted to bet on himself elsewhere — a move that sparked considerable discussion among Notre Dame faithful.

The Rise of Steve Angeli

Steve Angeli arrived in South Bend in 2022 as a three-star recruit from Bergen Catholic in New Jersey. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 220 pounds, he brought a mix of poise, mobility, and a cerebral approach to the position. He didn’t arrive with the hype of a five-star, but what he lacked in recruiting buzz, he made up for with steady progress and reliability.

During the 2023 season, Angeli had his coming-out moment in the Sun Bowl against Oregon State. Filling in as starter, he led Notre Dame to a dominant 40–8 win, going 15-of-19 for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns. It wasn’t just the stat line — it was the composure. The performance had fans buzzing all offseason, with many assuming he would be the logical successor to Sam Hartman.

However, Notre Dame brought in Riley Leonard from Duke, adding another veteran presence to the quarterback room for the 2024 campaign. Angeli resumed his role as backup but still contributed in limited snaps, completing 24 of 36 passes for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in 11 appearances.

The Spring Battle and Decision to Transfer

Following Leonard’s departure, Angeli entered spring camp locked in a three-way battle with Carr and Minchey. All three quarterbacks had their moments, but there were no definitive signs that Angeli had taken a commanding lead. It’s widely believed the coaching staff was leaning toward either giving Carr the reins early or letting the competition drag into the fall.

Rather than wait and risk riding the bench again in his senior season, Angeli chose to enter the transfer portal. It was a move that made sense on paper — he had proven production, was academically solid, and would be a coveted option for Group of Five or even Power Five programs needing a ready-to-play signal-caller.

Fan Reactions: Mixed, But Mostly Appreciative

🟩 Supportive Send-Offs

Across message boards, social media platforms, and radio shows, the overwhelming tone from Notre Dame fans was appreciation.

“Steve Angeli gave us one of the most complete bowl performances I’ve seen from a backup QB. He earned that spotlight. Wherever he lands, I’ll be rooting for him.” — @IrishGold1988 on Twitter

“I always felt like Angeli could have done more if given a real shot. You could tell the team respected him. Hate to see him go, but I totally get it.” — Comment from Irish Illustrated

Supporters praised his patience and maturity, especially during a time when quarterbacks often transfer at the first sign of competition. Angeli stuck around, developed, and never caused drama. He became a fan favorite not necessarily because of flashy highlights, but because he represented stability, humility, and hard work.

🟨 Some Second-Guessing

Others questioned if the coaching staff gave him a fair shake:“We brought in Hartman, then Leonard, and now it seems we’re ready to hand the job to a freshman. I just hope this doesn’t come back to bite us.” — @NDfan777“Carr is going to be grt, but Angeli earned that chance. He balled out whe w needed him. Now he’ll be starting somewhere els

A section of the fanbase is concerned that the push to get Carr early playing time could leave Notre Dame vulnerable, especially if the transition from high school to high-level college football proves bumpy. Angeli, by contrast, was battle-tested and could have provided a smoother bridge year.

🟥 Disappointment, But No Hard Feelings

Very few fans expressed anger toward Angeli. Instead, any lingering frustration was aimed more at the structure of modern college football and the ever-shifting landscape created by the transfer portal and NIL dynamics.

What’s Next for Angeli?

According to reports, Angeli has already visited Syracuse, where former Notre Dame analyst Jason Beck is now the offensive coordinator. Other potential landing spots include Boston College, Rutgers, or even a return to the Midwest with programs like Purdue or Minnesota.

Wherever he lands, Angeli is expected to compete immediately for a starting role. His efficiency, maturity, and bowl game résumé make him an attractive option for teams looking for a reliable leader under center.

The Bigger Picture for Notre Dame

With Angeli gone, the battle now narrows between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey. Carr, the highly touted freshman and legacy recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance in spring practices. Minchey has impressed at times, too, but hasn’t locked down the job.

Angeli’s departure puts added pressure on Carr to be ready from Day One. While fans are excited about his upside, there’s now less of a safety net behind him — and less experience to draw upon in tough games.

Coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker now face the challenge of grooming a young quarterback while keeping the offense stable and competitive in a tough 2025 schedule that includes matchups against Clemson, Texas A&M, and USC.

Final Thoughts

Steve Angeli’s decision to leave Notre Dame was a business decision rooted in logic, timing, and self-belief. His time with the Irish won’t be remembered for gaudy numbers or Heisman buzz, but for a key bowl win, steady leadership, and a career that reflected the changing nature of college football.

Fans reacted with a mixture of pride, sadness, and optimism. Pride in the way he represented the program. Sadness in seeing a reliable player walk out the door. And optimism that both Angeli and Notre Dame can thrive in their next chapters.

One thing is clear — wherever Steve Angeli ends up, he’ll have the full support of a fanbase that knows he gave everything to the Blue and Gold.