Senior QB Steve Angeli plans to enter the transfer portal now that Notre Dame has played its spring game, the AP reports.

In a move that had been quietly brewing beneath the surface of Notre Dame’s quarterback competition, senior signal-caller Steve Angeli is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from the Associated Press. The decision comes in the immediate aftermath of the Fighting Irish’s spring game, a showcase that provided fans and coaches alike with a closer look at the depth chart and positional battles ahead of the 2025 season.

Angeli’s decision marks the latest ripple in an ever-fluid college football landscape where quarterbacks — perhaps more than any other position — face constant pressure to either rise up the ranks or find new opportunities. For Angeli, a player who has been waiting in the wings for multiple seasons, the writing may have finally been on the wall.

While his decision brings uncertainty to his own future, it also raises important questions about Notre Dame’s quarterback room moving forward, head coach Marcus Freeman’s direction, and the broader implications of the transfer portal era on player development and program culture.

A Look Back: Angeli’s Notre Dame Journey

Steve Angeli arrived in South Bend in the class of 2022, a promising 4-star recruit from Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey. Touted for his leadership, poise, and high football IQ, Angeli was viewed as a developmental prospect with the upside to become a starter in Notre Dame’s pro-style offense.

His freshman season in 2022 was a typical redshirt year, with limited snaps and time spent learning the playbook and adjusting to the speed of the college game. In 2023 and 2024, he remained in a backup role, first behind Drew Pyne, then Sam Hartman, and later as part of a crowded quarterback competition that included young talents like CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey.

Despite flashes of brilliance in practices and moments during mop-up duty, Angeli never quite climbed to the top of the depth chart. Yet, he remained a steady presence — a consummate teammate and locker room leader, known for his work ethic and willingness to mentor younger quarterbacks.

In last season’s bowl game, Angeli got the opportunity to start due to injuries and opt-outs, and he responded well, throwing for over 200 yards and managing the game with confidence. It was a performance that sparked speculation about whether he could push for the starting job in 2025. But as spring camp unfolded, it became clear that Notre Dame was going in a different direction.

Reading the Room: What Sparked the Transfer Decision

By the time Notre Dame took the field for its 2025 spring game, the quarterback pecking order had started to solidify. Reports from spring practice had consistently pointed to CJ Carr, the highly touted sophomore and legacy recruit, emerging as the clear frontrunner. Carr’s blend of arm strength, decision-making, and pocket presence was hard to ignore, and the staff was clearly preparing to hand him the keys to the offense.

Meanwhile, Angeli found himself splitting second-team reps with Minchey — a situation that signaled a likely backup role, at best, for his final collegiate season. For a senior with only one year of eligibility left and aspirations to be a starter, the message was clear: if he wanted to lead a team, he would likely have to do it somewhere else.

Angeli’s decision to enter the transfer portal is hardly surprising in that context. For a player with the talent to contribute and the experience to lead, sitting on the bench for another year would not only stall his growth but potentially close the window on future opportunities — whether in the NFL or coaching.

What Angeli Brings to His Next Team

Quarterbacks with Angeli’s profile are in high demand across college football. He’s battle-tested in practice, has in-game experience, and has spent multiple years in one of the most demanding programs in the country. His knowledge of pro-style systems, his leadership skills, and his character make him an ideal candidate for programs in need of a veteran presence.

At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Angeli brings a solid physical frame to the position. He’s accurate in the short and intermediate passing game, comfortable operating under center or from the shotgun, and adept at making pre-snap reads. He’s not a burner on the ground, but he moves well enough to extend plays and navigate the pocket.

Programs looking for a plug-and-play quarterback — particularly those in the Group of Five or mid-level Power Five — will surely take a long look at Angeli. His ability to come in and lead immediately, combined with his maturity and unselfish mindset, make him one of the more intriguing QB portal options this spring.

What It Means for Notre Dame

For Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, Angeli’s departure simplifies what had become a logjam at the quarterback position.

With CJ Carr now entrenched as the likely starter and Kenny Minchey showing promise as a developmental option, the Irish can move forward with clarity and structure in the quarterback room. Carr, with two years of eligibility remaining, is the type of player the program can build around. His pedigree, combined with his strong spring performance, suggests he’s ready to lead from day one.

Still, Angeli’s exit leaves a void in terms of veteran leadership and insurance. Injuries and inconsistency can strike at any time, and having a battle-tested senior in the QB room is always a luxury. While Carr and Minchey may be the future, neither has played a full season of college football. Notre Dame may now need to consider adding a veteran transfer of their own — perhaps a grad transfer willing to serve as a backup and mentor — just to provide depth.

Angeli’s decision also highlights the broader realities facing Notre Dame: in a transfer-heavy world, roster management is a constant juggling act. Recruits come and go, development timelines are compressed, and coaching staffs must walk a fine line between planning for the future and winning in the present.

The Transfer Portal Era and the Quarterback Carousel

Angeli’s story is hardly unique. Across college football, talented quarterbacks are finding themselves squeezed by depth charts and developmental timelines. The rise of the portal has fundamentally changed the calculus for both players and coaches.

In past eras, a quarterback might have waited three or four years for his turn. But in today’s game, the clock is ticking faster. With elite high school recruits arriving every year and programs constantly looking to upgrade through the portal, the margin for error is razor thin. For players like Angeli — good enough to start, but stuck behind even better prospects — the portal becomes both a lifeline and a necessity.

It’s a reality that every program must now navigate. Notre Dame, known historically for its loyalty to its players and traditional development paths, is now operating in a new era where roster fluidity is the new normal.

Where Could Angeli Land?

While Angeli hasn’t announced his next destination, a number of schools could be a logical fit based on their current QB situations:

• Boston College: With a new staff and uncertainty under center, Angeli could walk in and compete right away.
• Pittsburgh: A program in need of experience after recent QB departures — and close to home.
• Northwestern: Offense in transition, looking for a steady veteran to lead a young team.
• Boise State or SMU: Group of Five programs with solid foundations, but potential openings for a QB who can step in and command an offense.
• Rutgers: Back in his home state of New Jersey, Angeli would bring credibility and talent to a rebuilding offense.

Wherever he ends up, expect Angeli to look for a program that offers not just playing time, but the chance to lead and leave a lasting impact.

Final Thoughts: Angeli’s Legacy in South Bend

Though his time at Notre Dame may not have included starting a full season, Steve Angeli leaves behind a quiet but meaningful legacy. He was part of a critical transition period for the Irish, stayed the course when others left, and showed what it means to be a team-first leader. He represented the program with class, maturity, and a deep understanding of what it means to wear the blue and gold.

Now, as he looks to write the next chapter of his football journey, Angeli does so with the full respect of the Notre Dame community. His story is a reminder that not every star shines in the spotlight — some guide others from the shadows, until the right time comes to shine on their own.

Wherever Steve Angeli ends up, he’ll take with him years of experience, a high football IQ, and the hunger to prove he belongs. And if his past is any indication, he won’t just belong — he’ll lead.