**Former Tennessee Quarterback Gives up on Recruiting Pitch t Notre Dame QB Steve Angeli**
*Knoxville, TN — April 20, 2025*
In a move that’s catching attention across the college football landscape, a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback has publicly extended a compelling recruiting pitch to Notre Dame’s backup quarterback, Steve Angeli — a development that could hint at a significant offseason transfer.
The pitch came via social media, where former Tennessee standout and now prominent football analyst Josh Dobbs took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an open message to Angeli. “If you’re looking for a place to showcase your talent, lead a team with passion, and play in front of the best fans in the country, Rocky Top is calling,” Dobbs wrote in a post that has since gone viral. “You’ve got the tools. Tennessee’s got the stage.”
Dobbs, who played for Tennessee from 2013 to 2016 and has since built a career in the NFL and as a respected voice in college football circles, has always maintained strong ties with his alma mater. But this direct outreach to a current Notre Dame quarterback — especially amid the ever-shifting dynamics of the transfer portal — signals how actively alumni are becoming involved in shaping rosters.
### **A Subtle But Strategic Move**
While Dobbs has no official recruiting role with Tennessee, his influence is undeniable. The timing of the message is also telling. Tennessee’s quarterback depth chart has questions heading into the 2025 season following the departure of Joe Milton III and ongoing uncertainty around sophomore Nico Iamaleava’s development and health status. Head coach Josh Heupel has not ruled out bringing in an experienced quarterback from the portal, particularly one who fits the system’s fast-paced, vertical-attack style.
Angeli, a 6’2″, 215-pound junior from Bergen Catholic in New Jersey, has spent most of his career in South Bend backing up former Irish starter Sam Hartman and now competing behind early breakout C.J. Carr. Though his game reps have been limited, Angeli has impressed during spring scrimmages and mop-up duties — showcasing strong pocket presence, a quick release, and solid decision-making. Still, barring an unexpected shakeup, his path to the starting role at Notre Dame remains clouded.
According to sources close to the situation, Angeli is weighing his options and has not yet entered the transfer portal. But Dobbs’ public appeal may be a calculated nudge, part of a broader effort from Tennessee insiders to draw talent amid a hyper-competitive SEC landscape.
### **Portal Power and the Changing Face of Recruiting**
This episode illustrates the increasing role of former players in shaping the college football recruiting and transfer ecosystem. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money flowing freely, and the transfer portal now a key cog in program-building strategies, universities are finding that alumni — particularly those with national recognition — can be powerful ambassadors.
“It’s not official recruiting, but it’s effective,” said one anonymous SEC recruiting coordinator. “When a guy like Dobbs speaks, players listen. Especially quarterbacks. He’s been there. He’s done it.”
As for Angeli, he has not publicly responded to Dobbs’ message. But his recent activity — including following several Tennessee coaches and players on social media — has only fueled speculation.
### **What It Means for Tennessee and Notre Dame**
If Angeli does choose to explore the portal, Tennessee could offer a nearly ideal landing spot: a high-profile program with a quarterback-friendly system, a supportive fan base, and a national spotlight. For Notre Dame, the potential loss of Angeli would thin out its quarterback room and leave the Irish relying heavily on freshman sensation C.J. Carr and little-used backup Kenny Minchey.
For now, this remains a story of speculation — but the spark lit by Dobbs’ tweet has ignited conversations across both fanbases. In an era where one social media post can change the trajectory of a program, eyes will remain fixed on Steve Angeli and what he decides in the coming weeks.
One thing’s for certain: The Volunteer spirit is alive and well — and recruiting never really stops.
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