In a decisive move to shape the future of Notre Dame football, Head Coach Marcus Freeman has officially named junior Steve Angeli as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, following Riley Leonard’s departure for the NFL Draft. Freeman expressed unwavering confidence in Angeli’s abilities, stating, “We have no plans of going to the transfer portal for a quarterback. I feel really strong about the guys we have in our quarterback room right now.”
Steve Angeli, a redshirt junior, has been with the Fighting Irish since 2022. He gained significant attention during the 2025 Orange Bowl against Penn State when he stepped in for an injured Leonard late in the second quarter. Angeli completed six of seven passes for 44 yards, leading to a crucial field goal that contributed to Notre Dame’s 27-24 victory. His most notable performance came during the 2023 Sun Bowl, where he made his first collegiate start after then-starter Sam Hartman opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. In that game, Angeli threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns, leading Notre Dame to a dominant 40-8 win over Oregon State.
Coach Freeman has praised Angeli’s development and readiness to lead the team, highlighting his performance in practice and limited game situations. “We’ve got a lot of confidence in Steve… He’s earned that confidence in practice and in some game opportunities,” Freeman noted. With Angeli at the helm, Notre Dame aims to build upon its recent successes and continue its pursuit of a national championship. The team’s faith in Angeli’s leadership and skill set positions them well for the challenges of the upcoming season.
The decision to promote Angeli reflects a broader strategy to develop talent from within the program. This approach not only fosters a competitive environment but also ensures that players are well-versed in Notre Dame’s playbook and culture. As the Fighting Irish prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Angeli to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead the team to glory.
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