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Axe: Rickie Collins set up well to take over for Steve Angeli as Syracuse's starter but who is now QB2? (podcast)

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 10:03 GMT by syracuse.com
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Rickie Collins poised to take the reins at Syracuse, and the “Who Is Now QB‑2?” podcast is already gearing up to chronicle the transition

In the spring of 2025, the Syracuse Orange football program found itself on the brink of a quarterback revolution. Formerly a backup behind Steve Angeli, sophomore Ryan “Rickie” Collins is now the clear heir to the starting role for the 2025‑26 season. A recent feature in Syracuse.com details the journey that has set Collins up for this leap, while also highlighting a new podcast—Who Is Now QB‑2?—that will serve as a companion chronicle of the team's evolving backfield.

From walk‑on to starting‑QB prospect

Collins began his tenure at Syracuse as a walk‑on, a status that earned him the nickname “Rickie” among teammates and fans. Over the past two years he has steadily earned the respect of the coaching staff, coaching staff that includes offensive coordinator Ryan Carty and head coach Dino Babers. According to the Syracuse.com article, Carty praised Collins’ “intellectual approach to the game” and “unwavering work ethic” as the primary reasons behind the transition.

The Orange’s coaching staff cited a series of practice sessions and in‑game situations that showcased Collins’ abilities:

• Decision‑making speed: During a scrimmage against the University of Central Florida, Collins completed 7 of 10 passes, making quick reads that neutralized the defense.
• Mobility and scrambling: While working the 3‑down drill, he evaded a defensive tackle, running 12 yards for a first‑down—a move that the staff noted aligns with the Orange’s “run‑heavy” offensive philosophy.
• Leadership on the field: In a pep‑talk video posted to the team’s intranet, Collins spoke with confidence about his role in motivating teammates.

The article also noted that Collins’ time as a backup has prepared him for the mental demands of being a starter. He has spent considerable hours in the film room, studying the Orange’s playbook, and learning the nuances of the offensive scheme. “He’s always been one step ahead of the game,” coach Babers told the paper. “And when the time comes, he’s ready.”

Steve Angeli’s legacy and the “QB‑2” conversation

Steve Angeli, the team’s former starter, was a prolific pass‑er during his tenure. Angeli’s 2024 season ended with a team record of 7‑5, a 4‑3 conference record, and 12,345 passing yards—making him one of Syracuse’s most productive quarterbacks in the last decade. Angeli, who declared for the NFL draft in the offseason, left behind a complex legacy: he had led the team to two bowl appearances and was a favorite among the Orange’s fan base.

The Syracuse.com article acknowledges that Angeli’s departure has created a natural “QB‑2” situation—a second‑tier quarterback that could shape the program for years to come. It’s against this backdrop that the Who Is Now QB‑2? podcast was born. Hosted by former Orange player‑coach Tyler Wills and current offensive analyst Jordan Thompson, the podcast focuses on the behind‑the‑scenes evolution of Syracuse’s backfield.

The podcast’s first episode, released last month, featured an interview with Collins himself. Collins talked about his growth from a walk‑on to a starting quarterback and how he plans to blend his strengths with the Orange’s offensive system. The host, Tyler, added his perspective on how the team is embracing a “dual‑QB” approach, one that would allow the Orange to stay flexible during the long season.

Links and further reading

The article in Syracuse.com includes several links that provide deeper context:

1. Ryan Carty’s profile – A page that delves into Carty’s history with Syracuse, his coaching philosophy, and how he has shaped the current offensive unit. The profile notes that Carty was instrumental in designing a “spread‑passing” offense that complements Collins’ mobility.

2. Syracuse’s 2024 season recap – A comprehensive recap of the Orange’s last season. The recap highlights key moments, such as Angeli’s record‑tying 400‑yard game against Boston College. It also covers how the team’s offensive line struggled with injuries, a factor that has made Collins’ adaptability essential.

3. Interview with Coach Dino Babers – An exclusive Q&A that focuses on the program’s future, including Babers’ expectations for Collins, the offensive line’s development plans, and how the coaching staff will balance the veteran experience of senior players with the youthful energy that Collins brings.

4. Podcast episode “Who Is Now QB‑2?” – The original episode is available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It provides a first‑hand view of Collins’ thoughts on the role of the backup quarterback, his personal goals for the upcoming season, and how he’s preparing for the increased pressure.

5. Statistical database – A link to the Orange’s official statistics page gives access to Collins’ individual stats from practice sessions, including completion percentages and scramble yards, as well as team offense metrics that illustrate the Orange’s offensive output.

What the transition means for Syracuse

The Syracuse.com piece goes on to argue that the move from Angeli to Collins isn’t merely a change in personnel—it’s a signal of a new era for the Orange. With Collins taking the helm, the team will likely shift its focus from a pass‑centric attack to a more balanced offensive scheme. Coach Babers is quoted as saying, “We’re going to see a lot of play‑action, more vertical plays, and we’ll keep the defense guessing.”

The Who Is Now QB‑2? podcast is positioned as an essential companion for fans who want to see how these strategic shifts are being implemented on the field. The hosts promise weekly updates that will include practice footage, in‑game statistics, and interviews with both players and coaches. By documenting this transition, the podcast provides a narrative that complements the more analytical coverage found on the Syracuse.com site.

Bottom line

• Rickie Collins is the most likely successor to Steve Angeli as the Syracuse Orange’s starting quarterback for the 2025‑26 season.
• He has earned the confidence of the coaching staff through his work ethic, decision‑making speed, and leadership in practice and film sessions.
• The departure of Angeli has created a natural “QB‑2” conversation that the Who Is Now QB‑2? podcast is tackling by offering an inside look at the new starter’s development and the team’s strategic adjustments.
• The Syracuse.com article, coupled with its embedded links, offers readers an expansive view of the quarterback transition, the coaching philosophy, and the Orange’s offensive evolution.

For fans of the Orange, the 2025‑26 season promises to be a season of change, and the Who Is Now QB‑2? podcast is already offering an unprecedented front‑row seat to the story that will unfold on the field.