Syracuse names Angeli starter

Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli is Syracuse's starting quarterback and will debut against No 24 Tennessee in Atlanta.

Syracuse Names Steve Angeli Starter

Syracuse on Monday named Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli the starting quarterback, moving ahead of LSU transfer Rickie Collins. Angeli, a redshirt junior, will make his Orange debut in the season opener against No 24 Tennessee in Atlanta after the decision was communicated to players early Monday morning, sources told ESPN. Angeli appeared in 21 games at Notre Dame and started the Sun Bowl win over Oregon State following the 2023 season. His best moment came in the CFP semifinal against Penn State last season, when he completed 6 of 7 passes on a key scoring drive before halftime.

Angeli replaces Kyle McCord, who set Syracuse and ACC single season passing records with 4,770 yards under OC Jeff Nixon. The move comes after Angeli transferred to Syracuse after spring practice, a quick learning curve as he adapts to the new offense. He will face Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, who won the job after also transferring after the spring semester. He spent one semester at UCLA after starting two seasons at Appalachian State. Angeli would be slated to play against his former team later this year when Syracuse visits Notre Dame on Nov. 22.

Angeli is a high ceiling option with a limited college starting record. Syracuse has built a passing oriented offense under coach Fran Brown last season, and this move tests whether Angeli can translate practice success to a live game against top competition. The early schedule features a ranked Tennessee defense, which could expose rough edges but also reveal potential for growth. The Notre Dame tie adds extra interest for fans and recruiters as the season unfolds.

Highlights

The road ahead will test a quarterback room built on flexibility and resolve.