Syracuse couldn’t have asked for a better start to Saturday’s game at Clemson, jumping out to a double-digit lead and carrying it into the third quarter. But that momentum was abruptly halted by a major blow: the loss of quarterback Steve Angeli.
Angeli went down with a non-contact leg injury while on the run late in the third quarter, putting a pause on the Orange’s surge and potentially threatening Fran Brown’s high-powered offense.
A Notre Dame transfer, Angeli got off to a slow start this season before catching fire late in a Week 2 comeback win over UConn. Angeli led the nation in passing yards through three weeks. On Saturday, he looked calm and in control in Death Valley, leading Syracuse to a sizable lead before the injury.
Here’s what to know about Angeli’s injury and his outlook moving forward.
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Steve Angeli injury update
Update: Angeli was diagnosed with a torn Achilles and will miss the remainder of the season, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Sunday.
Angeli fell to the playing surface and grabbed for the back of his leg after suffering an apparent non-contact injury against Clemson on Saturday.
No defenders were near Angeli, which instantly raised the level of concern for the Syracuse quarterback. He remained down on the field for a couple of minutes before leaving with assistance. Angeli was unable to put any weight on his leg.
Nooooo not like that for Steve Angeli. He deserves so much better.pic.twitter.com/9GS5mYAw8S
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 20, 2025
Angeli briefly exited the game in the first half due to injury but was able to return with a brace on his knee. Trainers appeared to be taking a look at his knee when he was down on the field in the third quarter, but Angeli initially grabbed near his lower calf or Achilles when the injury occurred.
Angeli was spotted on Syracuse's sideline with crutches and his lower leg in a boot before heading back to the locker room. He was replaced by redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins.
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After the game, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown was set to talk to reporters, but he took time to comfort Angeli first.
Syracuse coach Fran Brown sharing a moment with QB Steve Angeli, who was injured in today’s game. Brown didn’t share what he said exactly but did tell him “I love you.” pic.twitter.com/nvYCR4bsVn
— Derrian Carter (@DerrianCarter00) September 20, 2025
On postgame radio after the game, Brown said Angeli will be "out for a long time."
Syracuse Football Head Coach Fran Brown gives an update on Steve Angeli's injury.
— Cuse Sports Talk (@CuseSportsTalk_) September 20, 2025
It's Ricky Collins time. pic.twitter.com/wdQyjaqWeC
Who is Syracuse's backup QB?
Angeli is backed up by redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from LSU in the offseason.
Collins has never started a game at the collegiate level and entered Saturday having thrown only 13 passes in his college career. He threw a touchdown pass on his first full drive under center, taking advantage of a Clemson fumble that set up the Orange offense in the red zone.