Steve Angeli’s Moment: Notre Dame Quarterback Embraces Leadership and Opportunity

Entering the offseason, all eyes were on Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli. 

The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder had a decision to make. Stay at Notre Dame and compete for the starting job, or head to greener pastures, as Angeli has more than proven he can be a Power 4 starter. 

Angeli stayed. 

“I love it,” stated Angeli. “That’s all I know. I think this is exactly where I’m meant to be right now, to be honest with you. Notre Dame is the place for me and I’m exactly where I want to be.” 

It’s a genuine and straightforward answer, but if one wants more on why Angeli is still in South Bend, it comes down to those around him. 

“It’s the people,” Angeli said. “The relationships I’ve been able to build. Football is the greatest game in the world. You meet so many great people and make great relationships. It’s an emulation of life: there’s ups and downs and crossroads everywhere, but you have to find that balance and level-headedness.

“I think through my time and my path, I wouldn’t change a thing. My path is my path.”

Angeli will now not only compete with CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey this spring, but he’ll be expected to be the leader in the QB room as he heads into year four with the program. 

“It’s crazy,” said Angeli. “I remember when I first came in as an early enrollee, everyone was saying ‘oh enjoy it, it goes fast.’ Now this is my fourth spring. It doesn’t even feel real. You have to enjoy it.

“It’s great to be the older guy. I think I’ve had a lot of mentors through my time here. Just being able to cultivate that knowledge and pass it on. I think, playing the quarterback position, only one guy can get on the field at a time, but it’s a real collective effort to get that guy ready.” 

Notre Dame brought in two transfer quarterbacks the last two years, which was likely a little frustrating for Angeli and the other players in the room. Yet, they all made the most of it and took pieces from Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard. 

“With Sam, the biggest thing was his professional approach,” Angeli explained. “That guy had a routine. He had a plan every single day. Every single day for him was a big day. There was no small day. No day to go 50 percent. He was always 100 percent. 

“With Riley, it was just being a great person. There’s a lot of stuff that goes on in college football, and for him to keep a level head and keep what’s most important in front was impressive.” 

Angeli showcased keeping a level head and a professional approach in the Orange Bowl. The Irish were struggling on offense, and Leonard suffered an injury just before halftime. Angeli entered, and completed 6-of-7 passes for 44 yards and got the Irish on the scoreboard while also providing momentum. 

It not only speaks volumes of Angeli’s maturity to stay ready, but that he’s capable of executing under the brightest of lights. 

“I feel like I went in and just did my job,” Angeli said. “That’s what was asked of me. I performed the way I needed to perform. Frankly just doing my job. I was already confident and I’m confident now. It felt really good to support the team and be a part of that win.” 

Angeli is the only quarterback on Notre Dame’s roster with real game experience and he also has one start under his belt. 

That’s priceless. 

Yet, Angeli is focused on showing off his strengths as a signal-caller this spring in hopes of separating himself. 

“I think my mindset,” Angeli said of his strengths. “My intangibles. I think I understand the game well. I feel like I’m a great leader in the locker room. Quite frankly, I know how to make plays. I know my strengths and attributes that I can make every throw on the field. I can extend plays and get a first down if need be and I can operate and lead the team.” 

Angeli's confidence is noticeable and needed in the room. It comes from the work. Angeli has made trips to California during Notre Dame’s breaks to work on his game. Now, it’s his time to show he can lead the Irish program. 

“I put in a lot of work,” said Angeli. “I think I’ve been a great teammate throughout my years here. Not that I deserve it, but I’m working toward it. I still have to earn it. It’s a great time, it’s a great opportunity. I just have to seize the moment. 

“I think my career here, I’ve chosen hard every time and It’s not going to stop while I’m still here.” 

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