cited about Buchner and what the offense can be with him but are worried about injuries with him. I think the chance of injury for him is much less given how the offensive line has come together and continues to grow this season. I expect the OL to be very good next year and the running game should be outstanding. If he gets the protection they are providing this year, I expect him and the offense to be very good next year.
However, if he gets injured, it can't be Pyne. With all due respect to Drew Pyne, a great ND kid that has balled out to the best of his very limited abilities and we thank him for that, we absolutely can't do this again next year and the coaching staff knows it. So, it comes down to how they feel about Angeli. Is Angeli capable of being a very good FBS quarterback next year that can make all the throws and not limit the offense? If he can, I don't think we bring in a transfer. I think Freeman would prefer not to bring in a transfer at that position if he does not have to but if they are not confident in Angeli, they almost have to bring in a transfer. Minchey will need (and should get) a year to develop and acclimate to the system.
One note, though. You mentioned we would have 5 scholarship QB's if we took a transfer. I actually count 6: Buchner, Angeli, Pyne, Minchey, Powlus and transfer QB. Six scholarship QBs is far too many. That being said, the two least talented and capable of the bunch (Pyne and Powlus) are the least likely to transfer. That means we'd be keeping those two and unloading someone more talented and capable and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Angeli is 6'3", 215 pounds, more than adequate arm strength and zip on the ball, is supposedly unflappable and has been taking all of the #2 reps this year since Buchner was injured. Only the staff knows how he has been playing in practice and Freeman says they have full confidence in him. So, it comes down to what the staff thinks. Are they comfortable with:
QB1: Buchner
QB2: Angeli
QB3: Minchey/Pyne
If Buchner gets injured, Angeli would start in his absence and Minchey would get the majority of the #2 reps. Pyne would get some #2 reps and would be an emergency QB that could be trusted to run the very limited offense we currently run in the case Angeli gets hurt and Minchey isn't ready or he could split the time with Minchey in that case.
If they are not comfortable with that or if there is a real blockbuster, game changing QB out there, they should take a transfer. Given the OL play, two possible 1st Rd. offensive tackles on either side, excellent TE's, a great running game, an emerging set of really good WRs, an excellent defense and a top 5-10 program in the country, we should be appealing to a bunch of QBs that are looking.
So, none of us know because we don't know about Angeli. But I agree with you that being in a position of possibly having to take a transfer QB when there are already 5 scholarship QBs on the roster is not a good position to be in.