Breaking: Steve Angeli, a transfer quarterback for Notre Dame, has been mentioned internally as a possible Nico Iamaleava replacement.

In a surprising development shaking the early quarterback landscape, sources close to the Tennessee Volunteers program have confirmed that former Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli—who recently entered the transfer portal—is being discussed internally as a potential replacement for five-star phenom Nico Iamaleava should the current starter depart for the NFL following the 2025 season. The revelation has ignited debates in college football circles, not only about Angeli’s readiness to step into the spotlight but also about Tennessee’s long-term strategy under head coach Josh Heupel.

A Developing Situation

Though no official decision has been made and Iamaleava remains the undisputed QB1 in Knoxville, internal buzz about contingency planning has intensified behind closed doors. The Volunteers are well aware that Iamaleava, a former No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2023, is likely to bolt for the NFL if he lives up to the immense expectations placed upon him this fall.

Enter Steve Angeli.

The New Jersey native and redshirt sophomore made waves at Notre Dame last season, stepping in during multiple key moments when starter Sam Hartman struggled or was sidelined. Angeli impressed with his poise, arm strength, and football IQ, leading many to speculate that he was ready for a full-time starting role. But with the Fighting Irish pursuing high-profile quarterback recruits and transfers of their own, Angeli quietly entered the portal following spring practices—setting off a wave of interest from quarterback-needy programs across the country.

Now, Tennessee appears to be at the front of the line.

Tennessee’s Quarterback Depth Chart

Tennessee’s quarterback room, while talented, lacks proven depth behind Iamaleava. Sophomore Jake Merklinger is the most experienced backup, but the former four-star from Georgia has yet to see meaningful action and remains largely untested. Incoming freshman George MacIntyre, a five-star recruit from Brentwood Academy, brings a tantalizing skill set but will likely need at least a year of development before being ready to lead an SEC offense.

That leaves a gap in Tennessee’s succession plan should Iamaleava declare for the draft next spring. Angeli could provide an ideal bridge—a seasoned college quarterback with multiple years of eligibility, an accurate arm, and experience in high-pressure environments.

Why Angeli?

Angeli’s path has been anything but linear. A former four-star recruit from Bergen Catholic in Oradell, New Jersey, he was overshadowed early in his Notre Dame tenure by more hyped recruits. However, Angeli quietly earned the respect of coaches and teammates with his work ethic, leadership, and football intelligence. By the end of the 2024 season, he had emerged as a trusted option off the bench, finishing with a completion percentage above 65%, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions in limited action.

“Steve’s a gamer,” said a former Notre Dame staffer familiar with his development. “He understands defenses, processes quickly, and doesn’t flinch in the moment. He’s not going to wow you with flash, but he’ll win you games.”

That type of quarterback is exactly what Tennessee may need in 2026 if MacIntyre isn’t yet ready and the team wants to keep its momentum going following the Iamaleava era.

Josh Heupel’s Vision

Heupel’s offensive system has been lauded for its quarterback-friendly nature. Since arriving in Knoxville, he’s helped Hendon Hooker develop into a Heisman contender and now has Iamaleava poised to be the face of college football. For a player like Angeli—who has operated in a more traditional pro-style system—Heupel’s tempo and vertical passing game could unlock another level of production.

“Josh Heupel loves QBs who process quickly and make smart decisions on RPOs and deep shots,” said a source close to the Tennessee staff. “Steve may not have Nico’s athletic ceiling, but from a mental standpoint, he’s ahead of most. He’d thrive in this offense.”

The system fit is key. While Angeli may lack the raw dynamism of Iamaleava or MacIntyre, his quick release and efficient decision-making would mesh well with Tennessee’s schemes. Heupel has shown an ability to tailor his offense to his quarterbacks’ strengths, and a transition to Angeli post-Nico wouldn’t require a wholesale overhaul.

Angeli’s Camp Stays Quiet

So far, Angeli and his representatives have declined to comment on his next destination, and no official visit to Tennessee has been confirmed. However, sources indicate that Angeli is aware of Tennessee’s interest and sees the Volunteers as an intriguing landing spot.

“Steve’s looking for the right mix of competition, scheme fit, and long-term opportunity,” said one source close to the family. “He doesn’t want a one-year rental deal. He wants to go somewhere he can grow.”

That would make Tennessee an ideal fit—especially if he redshirts or backs up Iamaleava for a season, then takes over in 2026. It’s a path that mirrors what Joe Milton and Hooker experienced under Heupel, which could appeal to a cerebral player like Angeli.

What This Means for Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre

Tennessee’s interest in Angeli could complicate the trajectory of other quarterbacks on the roster. Merklinger, in particular, may feel squeezed if Angeli arrives and is seen as the next in line. The Georgia product has waited patiently for his shot, but the writing may be on the wall if the staff is actively shopping for another arm.

For MacIntyre, the impact is less direct. The highly touted freshman has always been viewed as the long-term answer, and bringing in Angeli could simply buy him more developmental time before being handed the reins. That could ultimately be a win-win for all parties, with MacIntyre avoiding the pressure of being thrown into the fire too early.

Reaction Around the SEC

The SEC has never been short on quarterback drama, and Tennessee’s interest in Angeli has not gone unnoticed. Rival coaches and analysts are already speculating about what it could mean for the future pecking order in the conference.

“If Tennessee lands Steve Angeli, you’re talking about a very stable QB situation for the next two to three years,” said SEC Network’s Tom Hart. “That’s a big deal in a league where half the teams are scrambling for answers under center.”

It also signals a shift in how Tennessee is approaching its roster construction. Under Heupel, the Vols have become more aggressive in using the portal strategically rather than reactively. Bringing in Angeli before there’s a dire need shows foresight and planning, which could separate Tennessee from other programs that wait until they’re desperate.

Transfer Portal Dynamics

Angeli is one of several notable quarterbacks in this spring’s transfer cycle, but he represents a unique profile. He’s not a flashy name like Dillon Gabriel or a raw upside play like Maalik Murphy. Instead, Angeli offers stability, maturity, and experience in a Power Five setting. Programs seeking a plug-and-play starter or a strong insurance policy are lining up, but Tennessee’s situation might offer the most appealing blend of competition and opportunity.

Portal insiders suggest Angeli will take visits over the next few weeks and make a decision before summer workouts begin. Tennessee is believed to be among the frontrunners, alongside a few Big Ten schools and an unnamed Pac-12 contender.

Looking Ahead: A Post-Nico World

While all eyes are on Iamaleava’s anticipated breakout season, Tennessee’s staff is wisely keeping one eye on the future. Planning for life after a generational quarterback is a tricky business—just ask Clemson post-Trevor Lawrence or Florida after Tim Tebow. Too often, teams are caught flat-footed when their star bolts for the NFL.

By targeting Angeli now, Tennessee is signaling that it doesn’t intend to let that happen. Whether he starts in 2026 or pushes others in the room to elevate their game, his presence could be a stabilizing force during what is traditionally a turbulent transition period.

And make no mistake—Tennessee intends to keep the train rolling.

“We’re building something sustainable here,” a Tennessee staffer said. “That means having a plan not just for this season, but for every season after.”

While Steve Angeli’s name may not have carried the same national weight as Nico Iamaleava or Arch Manning over the last few recruiting cycles, his rise has been steady and earned. Now, he stands on the cusp of a significant opportunity—one that could reshape not only his career but the future of a prominent SEC program.

If Tennessee follows through on its internal interest and brings Angeli into the fold, it could be one of the most under-the-radar but impactful quarterback moves of the 2025 offseason.

One way or another, expect to hear a lot more about Steve Angeli in the months to come.