“Thank You, Notre Dame”: Steve Angeli Pens Emotional Goodbye After Entering Transfer Portal

In the world of college football, the transfer portal has become a window not just for opportunity—but for change, for growth, and sometimes, for goodbyes. On a spring afternoon that shook Notre Dame’s quarterback room, junior signal-caller Steve Angeli officially announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal, marking the end of a chapter in South Bend that began with promise, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the gold helmet.

But this wasn’t just a transaction or a headline—it was personal. And in a heartfelt message shared across social media and through the university, Angeli’s words echoed beyond the statistics, speaking to the emotions, the brotherhood, and the gratitude that defined his time as a Fighting Irish quarterback.

Steve Angeli arrived in South Bend as a highly-touted four-star quarterback out of Bergen Catholic in Oradell, New Jersey. Known for his calm demeanor, pocket poise, and football IQ, Angeli represented the future of Notre Dame’s quarterback lineage. He committed to the Irish in the class of 2022, embracing both the opportunity and the challenge of developing behind established names like Tyler Buchner, Drew Pyne, and later Sam Hartman.

As a true freshman, Angeli saw limited action but took every rep—scout team or live drill—as a moment to grow. Coaches consistently praised his maturity, work ethic, and locker room leadership. It wasn’t long before insiders noted that Angeli was the most prepared quarterback in the room not getting game-day snaps.

When Buchner transferred to Alabama and Hartman arrived from Wake Forest, Angeli remained loyal, continuing to learn while waiting for his shot. In 2023, that chance came—if only briefly. With Hartman struggling late in the year, Angeli stepped in to start the Sun Bowl against Oregon State. In that game, he didn’t just manage the moment—he commanded it.

He completed 15-of-19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a dominant 40-8 win. It was a performance that had fans and analysts alike wondering if Angeli was the future they had been waiting for.

“Notre Dame is a special place. It’s more than a school. It’s more than football. It’s a family,” Angeli began in his announcement. “The moment I stepped on campus, I felt the weight of the gold helmet, the legacy, the tradition—and I embraced it. I knew it would take patience, and I was ready to earn every opportunity.”

The tone of his message was more gratitude than regret, more hope than heartbreak. Angeli acknowledged the people who shaped his experience—the coaches who believed in him, the teammates who became brothers, and the fans who supported him through every twist in the depth chart.

“To Coach Freeman—thank you for your belief in me. You’ve taught me what it means to lead, to prepare, and to carry myself like a champion on and off the field,” he wrote. “To Coach Rees, who recruited me, and to Coach Gino Guidugli, who helped me evolve my game—your guidance has made me a better quarterback and a better man.”

Then came the emotional core of the message.

“To my brothers in the locker room—this is the hardest part. We’ve sweated together, bled together, celebrated together. I’ll never forget the late-night film sessions, the laughs in the players’ lounge, the pregame huddles. I leave with memories I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”

Sources close to the program say Angeli’s decision wasn’t made lightly. He had every intention of competing for the starting job in 2024, but the arrival of five-star phenom CJ Carr, along with a red-hot quarterback competition this spring, changed the calculus.

Notre Dame’s staff reportedly encouraged Angeli to remain, praising his leadership and football IQ, but also respected his desire to find a program where he could start immediately. As one coach told The Athletic, “Steve could start at a dozen Power Five schools tomorrow. He’s that good. He just needs the right fit.”

Angeli himself addressed the timing.

“I believe in betting on yourself,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have to Notre Dame, and now I’m ready to take what I’ve learned here and lead a program where I can fully showcase my abilities.”

What’s striking about Angeli’s departure isn’t just the talent leaving—it’s the leadership void. Teammates regularly spoke about his locker-room presence, his command of the offense, and his influence on younger players.

Wide receiver Tobias Merriweather posted on Instagram: “This one hurts. Steve was the heart of our offense in more ways than people know. Whoever gets him is getting a warrior.”

Tight end Eli Raridon echoed that sentiment: “One of the smartest guys I’ve ever played with. Never complained, always showed up ready to go. Love you, bro.”

Notre Dame’s quarterback room now turns fully to the future, with Carr ascending and redshirt freshman Kenny Minchey also fighting for reps. Still, Angeli’s fingerprints remain on the development of both.

Angeli finishes his Notre Dame career with 465 passing yards, six touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 100% winning percentage as a starter. Modest numbers on paper—but as is often the case in South Bend, the impact of a player isn’t always captured by box scores.

He represented the ideal bridge quarterback—someone who bought into the culture, stayed ready, and never flinched when the lights were brightest. His Sun Bowl performance is already considered one of the most poised debuts by a Notre Dame quarterback in the last decade.

“Some players make their mark with trophies. Some with records. Steve made his mark with how he handled adversity—with class, with resilience, with team-first mentality,” said former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

While Angeli hasn’t yet announced his next destination, speculation is already swirling. Programs in the Big Ten, ACC, and even the SEC are believed to be showing interest. Rutgers, his home-state school, could be a natural fit. So could Boston College, which runs a pro-style offense that suits his strengths. And don’t count out programs like Missouri or Pitt, which are looking for experienced quarterbacks who can stabilize their systems.

Whichever school lands Angeli won’t just be getting a player—they’ll be getting a leader, a competitor, and someone who’s spent the last three years learning the game at one of the most demanding programs in college football.

Head coach Marcus Freeman released a statement shortly after Angeli’s announcement:

“Steve is the kind of player every coach wants. Accountable. Tough. A leader in every sense of the word. While we’re sad to see him go, we fully support his decision and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his journey. He’ll always be part of the Notre Dame family.”

Quarterback coach Gino Guidugli added: “Steve brought it every day. Film room. Practice. Weight room. You name it. He’s a true professional, and he’s going to make a team very happy.”

On social media, the Notre Dame faithful expressed both sadness and appreciation for Angeli’s contributions. The general tone was one of gratitude:

“Tough one. Steve was all class. Wishing him the absolute best wherever he goes.”

“Will never forget that Sun Bowl performance. Cool under pressure. Total baller.”

“Hope he lights it up wherever he goes. He’s a true Irishman.”

In closing his message, Angeli left the door open for continued ties with Notre Dame.

“Leaving doesn’t mean forgetting. I’ll always bleed blue and gold,” he wrote. “Notre Dame shaped me in ways I’ll carry forever. And wherever I go, I’ll take this place with me.”

He signed it simply: “With love and gratitude—Steve.”

In an era of constant movement, where players chase opportunities and programs adjust on the fly, Steve Angeli’s departure stands out for its grace. He didn’t run from competition—he embraced it. He didn’t just show up—he led. And when the time came to go, he did so with dignity, with class, and with a message that reminded everyone what Notre Dame means to the players who wear the jersey.

The quarterback room in South Bend now turns to the future. But for a moment, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the quiet legacy of a quarterback who never flinched, always gave his all, and walked away not with bitterness—but with thanks.

Thank you, Steve Angeli. You’ll always be part of the Fighting Irish family.