Syracuse has named its starting quarterback for the 2025 season, and it's not Rickie Collins. After transferring out of LSU following the 2024 season, Collins went north to Syracuse and was named the starter in the spring. Now, his job just got taken.
Syracuse has named Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli as the starting quarterback for the Orange. He'll get the starting nod in Syracuse's season-opener against No. 24 Tennessee in Atlanta on Aug. 30.
LSU transfer suffers tough blow in Syracuse QB competition
It's a tough blow for Collins, who thought he had the starting job locked up. Despite being named the starter by head coach Fran Brown in April, Collins has been in a close battle with Angeli in Fall Camp. Angeli didn't get to Syracuse until after spring practice, and appears to have quickly learned the offensive scheme in order to earn the starting role. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Collins still played well in camp despite losing out on the starting job.
Collins is a Louisiana native, and attended Woodlawn High School in East Baton Rouge Parish. After originally committing to Purdue, he chose to attend LSU. He was rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 12 overall player in Louisiana after throwing for 1,930 yards and 16 touchdowns during his junior season.
Collins spent two seasons with the Tigers, completing all seven of his pass attempts for 38 yards. He didn't throw a touchdown or an interception. He also rushed for 37 yards on seven carries. It was a small sample size, but his strong arm, athleticism, and leadership skills were evident in Baton Rouge. Syracuse's coaching staff picked up on it, and with Garrett Nussmeier returning to LSU, recruited Collins to upstate New York.
Collins will now enter the 2025 season as Syracuse's back-up QB. The Orange offense was led by Kyle McCord last season, who set Syracuse and ACC single-season passing records with 4,770 yards through the air.