The Syracuse Orange’s offense is one of the best in the country, led by quarterback Steve Angeli, who is leading the nation in passing yards heading into Week Four.
However, the team could be in trouble, as Angeli suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against Clemson. Here’s what to know about his status.
Is Steve Angeli Playing With an Injury?
On Syracuse’s first drive against Clemson on Saturday, Angeli was tackled, and the defender awkwardly rolled over his leg. It was a scary moment as he was down on the ground for a while, but he eventually was able to walk off the field without any help.
Syracuse QB Steve Angeli is down, holding his left knee, after a first-down scramble.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 20, 2025
Angeli missed a play, and Syracuse’s backup Rickie Collins stepped in. After that, Angeli returned and threw a touchdown on the same drive. He has stayed in the game since and appears to be fine.
Climb the ladder Justus! 🪜
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/HWtfYGySFf
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) September 20, 2025
It’s great news for Syracuse that Angeli is okay, as the Notre Dame transfer has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country so far this season. Through three games with the Orange, he has thrown for 1,072 yards, eight touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
After committing to Notre Dame as a three-star recruit out of Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, Angeli spent three years as a backup for the Fighting Irish. He entered the transfer portal this spring and landed at Syracuse, where he eventually earned the starting job.
He has quickly become a star and is one of the most important players on Syracuse’s roster. With a high-powered offense led by offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon that relies heavily on the pass, Syracuse needs someone capable of throwing the ball 40-plus times a game, and Angeli has been able to do just that.
The Orange will need Angeli at full strength if they want to beat Clemson. Despite missing one play due to the injury, the young quarterback has otherwise looked confident, composed, and accurate against one of the nation’s top defenses.
It’s been a back-and-forth first half, and Syracuse currently leads Clemson, with coverage continuing on ESPN.
