For five consecutive seasons, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have embarked on an offseason odyssey to identify their next starting quarterback. With the departure of standout quarterbacks often leaving fans wondering who will fill the void, the narrative in South Bend has been one of constant change and anticipation. While transfers have played a major role in recent years, the 2025 season brings a unique opportunity—a chance for a homegrown talent to seize the reins. Could Steve Angeli be the one to rise to the occasion and cement his place in Notre Dame lore?
As the Irish prepare for life after Riley Leonard, the bar has been set incredibly high. Leonard’s leadership and electrifying dual-threat capabilities propelled Notre Dame to the national title game in his sole season. But now, as we delve into the post-Leonard era, all eyes are on the candidates vying to fill those massive shoes. Enter Steve Angeli—a quarterback with potential, experience, and the weight of a legacy on his shoulders. Can he step up to the challenge and become the heartbeat of Notre Dame’s offense? Let’s explore.
A Legacy to Replace: Riley Leonard’s Impact
Riley Leonard wasn’t just a quarterback; he was the engine driving Notre Dame’s offense in 2024. His numbers speak for themselves: 2,861 passing yards, 21 touchdowns through the air, 906 rushing yards, and a staggering 17 rushing touchdowns. He broke quarterback rushing records, led the team with unshakable poise, and captained a squad that finished 10th in scoring offense nationwide (36.1 PPG). His ability to adapt and excel, even amid offensive line struggles and receiver inconsistencies, made him an irreplaceable force.
For Angeli—or anyone else—to step into Leonard’s role means carrying the burden of sky-high expectations. Leadership will be just as critical as athletic prowess. While no one expects Angeli to replicate Leonard’s rushing dominance, he will need to command the huddle and galvanize his teammates in ways that echo his predecessor’s charisma.
The Contenders: Steve Angeli’s Experience Takes Center Stage
Among the quarterbacks returning to the roster, Steve Angeli stands out for his combination of experience and leadership potential. A junior who has already earned a loyal following among fans, Angeli boasts impressive career stats: 772 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and only one interception on 72.5% accuracy. These numbers, though promising, only scratch the surface of his journey.
Angeli has already had a taste of high-pressure situations. He started in the Sun Bowl, leading the Irish to a resounding 40-8 victory. He also stepped up in the Orange Bowl when Leonard was injured, orchestrating a crucial field-goal drive. While these moments revealed his poise under fire, they also showcased areas where he must improve to solidify his claim to the starting role.
The Road Ahead: Angeli’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The Positives: Leadership and Poise
Angeli’s leadership traits and composure have made him a respected figure in the locker room. His live arm and solid athleticism provide a strong foundation, and he’s already proven he can deliver in key moments. His willingness to attack deep downfield, as seen in his slot-fade touchdown against Purdue, hints at a quarterback capable of elevating the offense when given the opportunity.
The Challenges: Progressions and Pocket Presence
However, Angeli’s film reveals several areas in need of growth. One significant hurdle is his struggle to move through progressions. Too often, he locks onto his first read or checks down prematurely, leaving potential plays on the field. Against elite defenses, this tendency could prove costly.
His pocket presence is another area of concern. Angeli has been sacked seven times in just 91 dropbacks—a rate that, if extrapolated to Leonard’s workload, would have resulted in 37 sacks last season. This stems from both his long release and a lack of awareness under pressure, issues that must be addressed to avoid stalling drives in critical moments.
The Missing Middle Game
Angeli’s passing profile is heavily skewed toward either deep shots or short, quick throws. While he has shown he can connect on the occasional bomb, his intermediate passing game is largely absent. The ability to attack the 10-to-19-yard range consistently is vital for running a complete offense, especially against defenses that can shut down one-dimensional attacks. Developing this aspect of his game will be crucial during spring practices.
Four Keys to Winning the Job
- Mastering Pocket Presence
Angeli must become adept at sensing pressure and reacting decisively. Whether it’s stepping up in the pocket, throwing the ball away, or finding his outlet under duress, improving this skill is non-negotiable. - Sharpening Progressions
Quarterbacks succeed at Notre Dame by dissecting defenses and making the right reads. Angeli needs to demonstrate he can progress beyond his first and second options, finding opportunities downfield or across the field when his initial targets are covered. - Embracing Aggression
Playing it safe won’t win championships. Angeli must trust his arm and take calculated risks, threading the needle on intermediate routes and testing defenses with bold, timely throws. - Developing a Mid-Range Arsenal
To truly unlock the Notre Dame offense, Angeli must refine his ability to hit intermediate routes with precision. These throws keep defenses honest and create opportunities for explosive plays.
The Stakes Are Sky-High
Steve Angeli’s journey to potentially becoming Notre Dame’s next starting quarterback is more than just a competition—it’s a test of resilience, growth, and grit. He stands at the intersection of potential and expectation, carrying not only his dreams but the hopes of an entire fanbase eager for success.
As the Irish prepare for the next chapter, Angeli has the tools and the opportunity to etch his name alongside the greats who have donned the blue and gold. Will he rise to the challenge, or will the pressure prove insurmountable? One thing is certain—this offseason promises to be nothing short of thrilling. The battle for QB1 is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
