Notre Dame's Backup QB Could Challenge for Starting Role

Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 13:04 GMT by Sporting News
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Kenny Minchey may beat out CJ Carr for QB1.

Notre Dame's Backup Quarterback Emerges as a Serious Contender for the Starting Role

In the competitive world of college football, where quarterback battles can define a team's season, Notre Dame finds itself in an intriguing situation heading into the upcoming campaign. The Fighting Irish, known for their storied history and high expectations, are grappling with a quarterback room that blends experience, potential, and uncertainty. At the center of this narrative is the current backup quarterback, whose recent performances and development have sparked discussions about whether he could ultimately claim the starting job. This development comes at a time when Notre Dame is looking to rebound from recent inconsistencies and make a strong push in the College Football Playoff landscape.

The primary storyline revolves around Riley Leonard, the presumed starter who transferred from Duke with much fanfare. Leonard brings a dual-threat capability, having shown flashes of brilliance in his previous stops. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws under pressure made him an attractive option for head coach Marcus Freeman, who is entering a pivotal year in building the program. However, Leonard's injury history and the need for him to fully adapt to Notre Dame's offensive scheme have opened the door for competition. Enter Steve Angeli, the current backup, who has quietly been building a case for himself as more than just a reliable second-stringer.

Angeli, a redshirt sophomore, has been with the program since 2021 and has seen limited but meaningful action. His most notable outing came in the Sun Bowl last season, where he stepped in admirably, completing 15 of 19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Oregon State. That performance wasn't just a flash in the pan; it demonstrated poise, accuracy, and an understanding of the offense that belied his relative inexperience. Coaches and teammates have praised his growth, noting how he's absorbed the playbook and improved his decision-making. Freeman himself has commented on Angeli's work ethic, saying in recent press conferences that the young quarterback has "earned the right to compete" and that the battle is far from decided.

What makes Angeli's potential ascent particularly compelling is the depth of Notre Dame's quarterback room. Beyond Leonard and Angeli, there's CJ Carr, a highly touted freshman with a pedigree—his grandfather is legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr—and Kenny Minchey, another promising talent. This four-deep group means that no spot is guaranteed, and spring practices have highlighted Angeli's edge in certain areas. Reports from camp indicate that Angeli has shown better command of the short-to-intermediate passing game, which aligns well with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock's system. Denbrock, who previously worked wonders at LSU and Cincinnati, emphasizes rhythm and timing, areas where Angeli has reportedly excelled in drills.

Analysts point to several factors that could tip the scales in Angeli's favor. First, Leonard's adjustment period: Coming from a different system at Duke, Leonard has had to unlearn some habits while learning Notre Dame's nuances. Any early-season struggles could prompt a quick hook, especially with a demanding schedule that includes matchups against Texas A&M, Northern Illinois, and Purdue right out of the gate. Second, Angeli's familiarity with the team provides continuity. He's built rapport with key receivers like Mitchell Evans and Jordan Faison, and his pocket presence has improved, reducing the turnover risks that plagued previous Notre Dame quarterbacks.

Moreover, the broader context of Notre Dame's program adds layers to this quarterback competition. The Irish are independent, which means they must win convincingly to earn a playoff berth in the expanded 12-team format. Freeman's tenure has been marked by defensive prowess but offensive inconsistency, and settling on the right quarterback is crucial. Angeli represents a homegrown option, having been recruited and developed within the system, which appeals to the program's tradition of loyalty and internal growth. If he continues to impress in fall camp, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get first-team reps or even start in non-conference games to build confidence.

From a scouting perspective, Angeli's physical tools are solid but not elite. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he has the frame to withstand hits, and his arm strength allows for deep throws, though he's not as mobile as Leonard. Where he shines is in his football IQ—reading defenses pre-snap and making adjustments at the line. This cerebral approach could be a differentiator in close games against top defenses like those in the ACC or potential playoff foes.

Teammates have echoed the sentiment that the competition is healthy and pushing everyone to improve. Offensive lineman Tosh Baker noted in interviews that the quarterbacks are "all balling out," creating a positive energy in practices. This dynamic is reminiscent of past Notre Dame QB battles, such as those involving Ian Book and Brandon Wimbush, where the underdog often rose to the occasion.

Looking ahead, the resolution of this battle could define Notre Dame's season. If Angeli wins the job, it would signal a shift toward stability and development over high-profile transfers. Conversely, if Leonard holds firm, Angeli's readiness as a backup could be invaluable in case of injury. Either way, the situation underscores the depth and talent in South Bend, positioning the Irish as a team with multiple paths to success.

In summary, while Leonard remains the frontrunner, Steve Angeli's emergence as a viable starter is a testament to his hard work and the competitive nature of college football. As practices intensify and the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on this quarterback duel, which could very well determine whether Notre Dame returns to national prominence or faces another year of what-ifs. The backup's potential to "end up winning the job," as insiders suggest, adds an exciting wrinkle to what promises to be a thrilling chapter in Fighting Irish football. (Word count: 852)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/current-notre-dame-backup-quarterback-could-end-winning-job/13031aff37f399bcd7d72d27 ]

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