Rickie Collins Loses Out in Syracuse QB Showdown — Steve Angeli Gets the Nods
Rickie Collins thought the job was his. After transferring from LSU and impressing Syracuse’s coaching staff during spring practices, the sophomore quarterback was riding high. He’d been officially named the starter in early April, beating out two returners and flashing the kind of dual-threat ability that made him a four-star recruit coming out of high school. With three years of eligibility remaining, and a clean slate in a new system, it looked like his time had finally arrived. Collins was locked in, confident, and finally getting his shot at running a college football offense. But then everything changed.
In stepped Steve Angeli, a redshirt junior transfer from Notre Dame who arrived with postseason experience and a reputation for consistency and leadership. Angeli wasn’t just some depth addition. He’d played in big moments — including the Sun Bowl and a College Football Playoff semifinal — and he brought with him not only experience, but an edge. Quiet, sharp, and precise, Angeli didn’t come to sit on the bench. He came to win.
That’s when the quarterback room got complicated. Collins, who had already earned the trust of the staff with a strong spring, suddenly had to re-earn everything. Coaches were watching both players under a microscope during fall camp. Every throw, every read, every decision in the pocket counted. What started as a coronation for Collins became a two-man race heading into the season opener, and the heat was turned all the way up.
It was a textbook quarterback battle: Collins brought athleticism, explosiveness, and leadership; Angeli countered with poise, accuracy, and a deep knowledge of high-level offensive football. While Collins used his legs to extend plays and make things happen off-script, Angeli looked like the steady hand coaches rely on in crunch-time situations. There was no drama between the two, at least not publicly. Both handled the situation like professionals. But every day in camp felt like a silent showdown.
Behind closed doors, coaches debated. Collins had spent the entire spring building relationships with receivers and working under offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon. He’d earned the locker room’s respect and was known as a vocal presence on the field. But Angeli’s grasp of the offense, his timing, and his decision-making impressed in ways that are hard to overlook when trying to win games in the ACC. He didn’t make flashy plays — he just made the right ones. Time after time.
The Syracuse staff took its time making the call. They knew the stakes. Whoever got the nod would lead the team into the season opener against a top-25 Tennessee squad in Atlanta — a high-pressure, nationally televised matchup with major implications. And on Monday, August 18, the decision came down. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, it was Steve Angeli who would start under center for the Orange.
For Collins, it had to sting. Just a few months earlier, he was the guy. After transferring from LSU, where he’d seen limited action as a freshman, Collins believed Syracuse offered him a new beginning. He wasn’t wrong — he just didn’t count on the new beginning coming with another steep hill to climb. At LSU, Collins had been buried on the depth chart behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. At Syracuse, he had a window to shine. But in the unforgiving world of college football, the window slammed shut just before the season began.
Still, Collins didn’t hang his head. By all accounts, he handled the decision with maturity and professionalism. He remains a key part of the team’s plans, likely as the backup and first man off the bench if anything happens to Angeli. Coaches have praised his attitude and his work ethic throughout the offseason, and there’s no indication he’s considering another move — at least not yet. For now, he’s still in orange and white, still suiting up, and still preparing like a starter.
For Steve Angeli, the decision marks a turning point. After spending three seasons as a backup at Notre Dame, he finally gets his shot to be QB1. His journey hasn’t been easy either. He played behind Tyler Buchner, then Sam Hartman, and while he had moments of brilliance — especially in bowl games — he never got a full season to show what he could do. Transferring to Syracuse gave him that chance, and now, less than a year after being the second guy off the bench in South Bend, he’s leading an ACC program into a big-time opening weekend matchup.
Syracuse’s decision to name Angeli the starter also says something about where the program is headed. Head coach Fran Brown, in his first year running the show, has emphasized discipline, competition, and execution. He made it clear from day one that nothing would be given and that the best man would play. In that spirit, Angeli earned the job. Brown didn’t care about spring depth charts or offseason hype. What he wanted was the guy who could command the offense, protect the football, and make the right reads when the lights are brightest. Angeli, at least for now, is that guy.
There’s also an underlying message being sent to the locker room — compete every day, or someone will take your job. In the new era of the transfer portal and NIL, college football has become a revolving door of talent. No one is safe, and nothing is guaranteed. Collins learned that the hard way. He did everything right from the day he arrived. He learned the playbook, built chemistry with the wideouts, and earned the coaching staff’s initial trust. But one talented transfer later, he’s back to the No. 2 spot.
For Syracuse, this is a high-class problem. Having two capable quarterbacks is a luxury few programs enjoy. Injuries happen, slumps happen, and depth at the quarterback position can make or break a season. Angeli will start, but Collins could very well play meaningful snaps this season. Brown knows that, and he’s likely preparing both guys accordingly. After all, Tennessee’s defense isn’t exactly known for going easy on quarterbacks.
For now, the Orange are preparing for the next chapter — one that begins with a neutral site showdown against a ranked opponent. Angeli will lead the offense. Collins will wait, watch, and stay ready. And fans will keep a close eye on how things play out. If Angeli delivers, it could be the start of a special season. If he struggles, the door could swing back open for Collins sooner than expected.
Either way, Rickie Collins’ story at Syracuse is far from over. He’s only a sophomore, with years of eligibility left and plenty of talent. This might not be his season — or at least not the way he hoped — but the long game is still very much in play. In the unpredictable, often chaotic world of college football, things change fast. One injury, one slump, one spark — and Collins could be right back in the driver’s seat.
He’s been through the highs and lows already. From being a hometown kid at LSU with dreams of playing in Death Valley, to transferring north and being named a starter, only to lose the job weeks later — he knows better than most how quickly the tides can turn. What matters now is how he responds. If his past is any indication, he’ll stay locked in, keep working, and be ready when his number is called.
As for Syracuse, they’ve put their trust in Angeli — at least for now. Whether that decision pays off will be one of the biggest storylines to watch as the 2025 season kicks off. But don’t count out Rickie Collins. His path might have taken a detour, but he’s still in the game, still dangerous, and still very much a quarterback to watch.
