Syracuse reportedly decides on starting QB ahead of Week 1 clash with Tennessee
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On Sunday evening, the Tennessee Volunteers revealed Joey Aguilar would be their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Syracuse Orange. Monday morning, the Orange followed suit.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Syracuse has named Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli their starting quarterback. The redshirt junior beat out fellow transfer Rickie Collins (LSU) to earn the job. Angeli’s Orange debut will come versus the Vols on Aug. 30 in Atlanta.
Angeli, who joined Syracuse in the spring transfer cycle, was a late add for head coach Fran Brown. Brown actually named Collins his starting passer after spring camp, but Angeli arrived roughly two weeks later and stole the gig with strong performances.
Angeli spent his first three seasons at Notre Dame. He backed up Sam Hartman in 2023 and Riley Leonard in 2024. He enjoyed limited opportunities with the Fighting Irish, but played well when he took the field. In 21 appearances, he completed 72.5% of his passes (58/80) for 772 yards, 10 touchdowns and just 1 interception.
Most of Angeli’s work came in garbage time, but he showed out on college football’s biggest stage last year. During Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State, Angeli led the Fighting Irish to a field goal right before halftime. He completed 85.7% of his passes (6/7) for 44 yards on the drive. Orange fans are hoping for similar efficiency and effectiveness when he steps on the gridiron each week in 2025.
