Syracuse Football’s Quarterback Battle Still Ongoing Ahead of 2025 Season
As Syracuse football approaches the 2025 season opener, the quarterback position remains unsettled. After an impressive 10-3 campaign in Fran Brown’s debut season, there’s a sense of optimism around the program. However, with key veteran players departing, the team faces a number of uncertainties.
While Brown has worked to replenish the roster through the transfer portal and recruiting, with only weeks left before the season starts, several key questions remain unanswered.
Two Quarterbacks in the Running for the Starting Spot
For the second year in a row, Syracuse is turning to a transfer quarterback to lead its offense. But unlike last season, there’s no clear frontrunner. Former Ohio State starter Kyle McCord joined the team after leading the Buckeyes in 2023, but LSU transfer Rickie Collins was named the starter in spring camp. However, the arrival of former Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli after the spring practice has thrown a wrench into the situation.
Collins has thrown just seven career passes, all of which he completed, while Angeli has a bit more experience. Angeli started one game for Notre Dame, stepping in for Sam Hartman in the 2023 Sun Bowl, and had a memorable moment in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State. When starter Riley Leonard was injured, Angeli took the reins and led a crucial drive that resulted in a field goal.
The Battle for the Starting Role
Both Collins and Angeli have acknowledged that the job is still up for grabs. With less than a month before the season opener in Atlanta, head coach Fran Brown has yet to indicate which direction he’s leaning. Offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon recently stated, “No one is ahead right now.”
It’s possible that whoever gets the nod against Tennessee may not hold onto the starting role for long. If either quarterback struggles against the SEC opponent, we could see both Angeli and Collins take snaps in subsequent games against UConn and Colgate.
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