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‘Love Thee Forever’ Steve Angeli posts heartfelt goodbye message to Notre Dame

IMG_7504by:Jack Soble•04/20/25•

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Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli lines up the Irish against Penn State in the Orange Bowl. (Photo by Chad Weaver/BGI)

After three memorable seasons in a blue-and-gold uniform, quarterback Steve Angeli has officially said goodbye to Notre Dame.

Angeli entered the transfer portal on Thursday. On Saturday, he issued a heartfelt message on social media to his family, teammates, coaches and fans:

“Dear Notre Dame,

“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.

“To my family, thank you for the continuous love and support on my journey of playing college football.

“To my teammates, the bonds and memories I have made with you all will last a lifetime. I will cherish the brotherhood and have love for everyone who has worn the gold helmet alongside me during my time at Notre Dame.

“To the Coaches and entire Notre Dame Football staff, thank you for giving me an opportunity to play college football and helping me better myself on and off the field.

“To Irish Nation, your passion and support is what makes playing in Notre Dame Stadium so special.

“With that being said, after earning my degree at the end of the semester, I am going to explore the transfer portal and evaluate my options as a graduate transfer.

“Love Thee Forever, Steve Angeli.”

Angeli only started one game for the Irish, a 40-8 victory in the Sun Bowl in which he went 15-of-19 for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, his name has a permanent place in Notre Dame history for his relief appearance on Jan. 9, during the Orange Bowl (and national semifinal) against Penn State.

Notre Dame trailed 10-0 when starting quarterback Riley Leonard went down with an apparent head injury after his helmet slammed against the Hard Rock Stadium turf. Angeli entered the game — on which Penn State had a chokehold at that point — and went 6-of-7 for 44 yards as he drove the Irish into field-goal range at the end of the first half.

Those 3 points, after kicker Mitch Jeter‘s 41-yard field goal went in as time expired, gave the Irish confidence and a one-score deficit going into halftime. Leonard returned and led Notre Dame to a 27-24 victory in the second half, but without Angeli’s contributions, it’s possible — likely, even — that none of it would have happened.

With his performance on college football’s second-biggest stage, Angeli made himself a hot commodity in the transfer portal. He should have a chance to start at his next destination, wherever that may be.

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