Angeli to Start for Syracuse Against Tennessee in Season Opener
Syracuse will open the 2025 season with Steve Angeli at quarterback, starting against No. 18 Tennessee in the Aug. 30 kickoff game in Atlanta. The Notre Dame transfer, who beat out LSU transfer Rickie Collins for the job, will face a Tennessee squad that has named Joey Aguilar as its Week 1 starter after Tennessee’s 2024 starter Nico Iamaleva left the program following spring practice amid an NIL dispute and eventually transferred to UCLA.
Angeli is a veteran pocket passer with three years of experience at Notre Dame, though most of it came as a backup. He has 772 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 1 interception, and he played well in his lone start—a Sun Bowl win over Oregon State. Angeli’s familiarity with the offense and his steady leadership helped him win the job over Collins, a former high-profile recruit and dual-threat quarterback.
The matchup sets Angeli against a Tennessee defense that ranked among the nation’s best last season, providing Syracuse with a stern test to begin the year. Tennessee, meanwhile, will rely on Aguilar to guide the offense in Week 1 after Iamaleva’s departure, adding a fresh dynamic to the Vols’ quarterback situation.
What this means for the opener: Angeli’s start gives Syracuse a tested, pro-style passer to run a offense designed to operate with rhythm throws and efficient reads, while Tennessee counters with a defense that should challenge any quarterback early in the season. The game at noon ET on ABC in the Aflac Kickoff Game should deliver a high-profile, early-season measuring stick for both programs.
Key facts to know
– Angeli is Syracuse’s starting QB for the opener; Aguilar will be on the other sideline for Tennessee.
– Angeli’s Notre Dame stats include 772 yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT; started once in a Sun Bowl win over Oregon State.
– Rickie Collins was the other experienced option Syracuse considered, but Angeli won the job.
– Nico Iamaleva left Tennessee after spring practice due to an NIL dispute and transferred to UCLA.
– The matchup is No. 18 Tennessee vs. Syracuse in Atlanta, noon start, on ABC.
Additional commentary and outlook
– The game represents a meaningful test for Angeli in his first big-spot start against a strong UT defense, underscoring Syracuse’s choice to lean on a veteran, pocket passer to anchor the offense.
– For Tennessee, Aguilar’s Week 1 start means the Vols will be evaluating a new quarterback with a combination of field vision and arm talent, while integrating new offensive pieces after Iamaleva’s departure.
– The opener offers a hopeful tone for both programs: Angeli provides a steady hand to kick off Syracuse’s season, and Tennessee can build momentum early with a capable quarterback and a defense that should be tested but elite.
Summary: Steve Angeli will lead Syracuse in its season opener against Tennessee, giving the Orange a veteran, pocket-passing signal-caller against a stout UT defense as the Vols roll with Joey Aguilar in Week 1 following Nico Iamaleva’s departure. The clash in Atlanta should provide a solid early-season gauge of both teams’ offensive direction and playmaking potential.