In the South Bend tradition, you find just one ritual more sacred than the rest; it’s the annual quarterback conundrum. It runs so deep that someone could easily carve it into the Touchdown Jesus mural. As spring turns to summer, Irish fans eagerly flip through their question books. However, they aren’t asking, “Will Notre Dame win it all?” Instead, they wonder, “Who on earth is going to play quarterback?” This year’s drama revolves around the uncertainty of Steve Angeli’s future with the Fighting Irish program.

Steve Angeli’s journey from high school to Notre Dame’s presumptive QB1 is nothing short of outstanding. For Marcus Freeman, Angeli stood out whenever he was called into action. Especially in the semifinal of the playoffs against Penn State. With Riley Leonard injured on the sidelines, Freeman called for the services of his QB2. And boy, did he deliver! Steve Angeli led the Fighting Irish to a field goal drive, completing 6 of 7 passes for 44 yards. In the end, the game was decided by a field goal.

Overall, he had 24 completions out of 36 attempts, 268 yards passing, an impressive 66.7% completion rate, and zero interceptions. He threw for three touchdowns, surpassing expectations as a capable QB2. His QB rating of 156.7 is notable, considering he has often had his run in blowout games. However, his future for the Irish is not certain.

Tyler Wojciak, host of the podcast “Locked on Irish,” talked about the QB shuffle that may take place at Notre Dame now that the portal is open for next 10 days. “As we sit here today on April 17th, I think one guy is going to leave, and I think that’s going to be Steve Angeli.” He further says, “I think CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey have the upside, they have the potential, and they have proven themselves to be ready to go and start in college.” Wojciak explains the cold logic of modern-day college football and the Irish’s current quarterback room.

In a world where Notre Dame is choosing potential over tenure, Angeli finds himself the odd man out. Despite his experience and flashes of competency, he lacks the potential that younger competitors CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey have. “I think they’re going to prioritize upside ceiling potential, all of that over someone who has been there longer,” says Wojciak.

Steve Angeli may compile the quarterback room due to system settings at 1700. CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey remain stable towards QB1 despite evolving roster dynamics. Angeli’s long tenure is efficient, but Coach Freeman is digging for raw talent, stronger arms, and mobility.

The transfer portal exodus has become the college football version of Black Friday sales. In this world, loyalty is scarce, and tampering is common. Reports show rampant tampering to attract quarterbacks with promises of NIL riches. Just like the situation of Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey.

Freeman’s quarterback room is a tampering hotspot?

The Notre Dame program is one of the targets of the rampant transfer portal quarterback tampering. Athletes like Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey are two of the many athletes who are wearing neon signs that scream ‘Tamper with me!’ to the rival programs. In The Portal-daily college recruiting podcast, Brian Smith says, “Steve Angeli and Kenny Menchi are guys that are talented, I’m just using them as a barometer 100% guarantee you they’re getting tampered with.”

The two quarterbacks getting tampered with are like the last two slices of pizza at a college party. Why? Both possess qualities sought after by rival programs: untapped potential, experience, and strong recruiting background. Angeli, with his bowl game start and leadership reputation, is seen as a ready-to-go stabilizing force for any struggling offense. On the other hand, Minchey, a shiny new toy, is an athletic and creative mystery, fueling teams’ Boomer Esiason fantasies.

In the 2025 college football world, transfer portal tampering is less of a crime and more of a competitive art form. Angeli and Minchey are popular on the black market. Instead of developing your quarterback, borrow Notre Dame’s backups for quick results.