Steve Angeli’s Steady Journey: Why Notre Dame’s Veteran QB Might Finally Get His Shot
One afternoon in Texas and one evening in Florida helped shape a defining moment for Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli—highlighting why his presence in South Bend this spring feels both unexpected and reassuring.
Despite being in his third year with the program, Angeli still greets reporters with a handshake and a smile, reintroducing himself as if it’s the first time.
> “Hi, I’m Steve. Good to see you again.”
It’s this humble, grounded nature that has defined Angeli’s time at Notre Dame. In an era where college athletes often transfer at the first sign of competition, Angeli has done the opposite. He’s stayed put, committed to the grind, and continued to fight for a role that always seemed just out of reach.
Why hasn’t he left? His answer is simple:
> “I love it. I think I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Notre Dame is the place for me.”
Angeli has waited behind a string of starters—Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne in 2022, Sam Hartman in 2023, and Riley Leonard last season. Each time, Angeli remained the backup, the less experienced option. But now, with multiple seasons under his belt, he’s no longer the new guy—he’s the seasoned veteran, and perhaps, the most prepared candidate for the starting job.
He doesn’t feel entitled to the role, though.
> “I’ve put in a lot of work. I think I’ve been a great teammate. I’m working toward it—I still have to earn it. I’m just looking to seize the moment.”
Angeli already proved he can handle pressure. In the 2023 Sun Bowl, stepping in for Hartman, he delivered an efficient, confident performance: 15 completions on 19 attempts for 232 yards and three touchdowns. Though the MVP award went to wide receiver Jordan Faison, Angeli showed he could lead.
His next chance came during the 2025 Orange Bowl. When Leonard briefly left with an injury, Angeli orchestrated a crucial 13-play drive, completing six of seven passes and putting Notre Dame on the scoreboard in a tight game. Once again, he handled the pressure with poise.
> “If my number’s called, there’s no hesitation,” he said. “It’s muscle memory. Walk in and operate.”
According to quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli, that kind of composure in high-pressure moments carries weight in the locker room.
> “You can do great in practice, but doing it in front of 80,000 people with defenders coming at you—*that* matters.”
While competition remains stiff—rising talents like CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey are in the mix—Angeli has something they don’t: real game experience, and the quiet consistency that’s earned him respect from coaches and teammates.
Even so, he doesn’t view this as a battle between quarterbacks. For Angeli, it’s about personal growth.
> “Being the starting quarterback means someone’s always chasing you, and you’re always chasing someone. But the biggest competition is with yourself.”
His mindset, work ethic, and leadership have never wavered. All he needs now is the opportunity.
> “I’ve chosen the hard path every time during my career,” he said. “As long as I’m here, I’ll keep competing.”
This fall, Notre Dame will face Miami (Fla.) to open the season. Whether Angeli is named the starter won’t be clear until later in preseason camp. But with his preparation, resilience, and moments of brilliance, many believe that the job *should* be his.
And if that chance comes, he’s ready to run with it.
