When Steve Angeli entered the transfer portal, he likely did the Notre Dame football team a favor, if we’re being honest. He made the decision by head coach Marcus Freeman a little bit easier.
While the quarterback race was a 3-headed monster from the beginning, Freeman said near the end of spring camp that he wanted to get down to two in short order. I don’t think he meant that Angeli should leave, but it’s possible the veteran quarterback saw the writing on the wall. After all, if the guy who had been the top backup the last two years wasn’t the obvious front runner, it appeared he wasn’t the front runner at all.
It’s going to be better for Steve Angeli too, as he will almost certainly finally get a real shot at starting. And that’s why the “divorce” between the veteran signal-caller and Notre Dame football has been as amicable as possible, including a heartwarming goodbye message from the man who only stepped up and performed when needed.
News broke of Angeli leaving South Bend late last week but on Saturday he took to X and posted his goodbye and thank you message.
Steve Angeli’s heartfelt goodbye cements legacy with Notre Dame
— Steve Angeli (@SteveAngeli_125) April 20, 2025
“Thank you for an amazing 3 years in South Bend wearing the blue and gold. It has truly been an incredible journey as a student-athlete at Notre Dame and I am eternally grateful for the memories made along the way,” the veteran began.
He want on to thank his family and friends for their support. He then turned his attention to the Notre Dame fans, saying it was they who made his experience in South Bend so special and then thanked the coaches for allowing him to play the game he loved.
The quarterback signed off with a message that certainly resonates especially with Fighting Irish fans:
"“Love Thee Forever, Steve Angeli.”"
The goodbye message and the total class he showed in handling the quarterback competition stands out in a world where pouting and waging war through social media has too often become the norm in college football.
In a world with too many Nico Iamaleavas, Notre Dame football fans got a Steve Angeli. And the way he carried himself right to the end will make him one of the most beloved to wear the Blue and Gold.