On Saturday, Syracuse shocked the college football world, taking down Clemson in Death Valley for their third loss of the season. While it was a huge win, the Orange suffered a significant blow to their own season, as quarterback Steve Angeli went down with a torn Achilles.
On Monday, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown provided an update on Angeli’s future with the team and explained how he will play a key role as the Orange transitions to redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins as the new starter.
Fran Brown Details Steve Angeli’s Future With Syracuse
Angeli had been elite for the Orange early in the 2025 season. Heading into the Clemson game, he was leading the nation in passing yards and played a key role in Syracuse’s win over the Tigers.
Unfortunately, he went down with a torn Achilles tendon in the third quarter and was ruled out for the game and the remainder of the season. While it’s brutal news for the Orange, Brown gave an update on the young quarterback’s status, explaining that he expects Angeli to be back at Syracuse for two more seasons.
Fran Brown says that Steve Angeli is getting ready to have surgery on his Achilles today. Says SU expects to have him for two more years.
“I’m excited about the time he’ll have to come back.”
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) September 22, 2025
There is a silver lining to the injury. Angeli appeared in only four games this season before the Achilles tear, meaning he will likely be granted an extra year of eligibility, giving him a real chance to start for Syracuse in 2026 and 2027.
Brown also explained that, despite being out for the season, Angeli will still play a crucial role for the Orange this season. He will travel with the team and help Collins transition into the starting role, almost serving as another QB coach for Syracuse.
Fran Brown says that Steve Angeli is still going to be at practice, traveling, and with the team in meetings. Says he expects him to transition to acting like a QBs coach.
“Steve is going to do everything he can to make sure Rickie (Collins) succeeds.”
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) September 22, 2025
“Steve is going to do everything he can to make sure Rickie [Collins] succeeds,” Brown told reporters.
The injury was undoubtedly a brutal setback to what was shaping up to be a fantastic year for Angeli, but it’s clear that Brown is already planning to keep him heavily involved in the season and in his future plans for the Syracuse program.
Up next for the Orange and their new quarterback is a homestand against the up-and-coming Duke Blue Devils. They will kick off on Saturday, September 27, at noon ET on ACC Network. Currently, Syracuse is about a 4.5-point home underdog following the news of Angeli’s injury.
