The Syracuse Orange seemingly have selected a starting quarterback. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Monday morning that Syracuse had named Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli as its starting quarterback. A social media post from Syracuse football a couple hours later seemingly confirmed that report. The post showed a picture of Angeli with the caption “Leading the way.”
Rickie Collins was originally named Syracuse’s starting quarterback on April 7. He transferred from LSU and spent the entirety of spring
practice with the Orange. 16 days later, Angeli announced his transfer to Syracuse. Fran Brown had acknowledged before the start of training camp that there would be a quarterback battle to determine the starter with Angeli’s arrival to the program.
There hasn’t been a clear indication during training camp which starting quarterback had the upper hand in the battle. Because of that, both quarterbacks, regardless of the title of starter, could very realistically see the field in a significant capacity to start the season.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown has always preached that he would like to choose a starter quickly to become his “right hand man.” That was evident last year, with Kyle McCord operating seemingly as Brown’s second-in-command at Syracuse. Brown had said that he would choose a starter after Syracuse’s second preseason scrimmage. That occurred inside the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday.
Both Angeli and Collins did not have significant playing experience coming to Syracuse. Angeli did have more notable experience, thanks to his cameo in the College Football Playoff last year. At Notre Dame, he relieved an injured Riley Leonard for a drive that closed out the second quarter against Penn State. Angeli went 6-7 passing in that drive for 44 yards, leading Notre Dame to a field goal.
Angeli was also Notre Dame’s starter in the 2023 Sun Bowl after Sam Hartman chose to sit out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Angeli went 15-19 for 232 yards and three touchdowns in that game. In total, Angeli went 58-80 for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns in his Notre Dame career. Collins, on the other hand, only went 7-7 for 38 yards in limited action at LSU.
Collins seemingly has better mobility than Angeli, so it wouldn’t be surprised to see Syracuse use his legs to its advantage. But the Orange reportedly have a starting quarterback ready to lead the team against No. 24 Tennessee in Atlanta to start the 2025 college football season.
