Syracuse Football officially opens the 2026 training camp today and we’ve got a TNIAAM roundtable to look at the positions and players we have our eyes on as we head towards the season opener. First up,
Which position battle(s) are you most interested in?
Christian: Wide receiver. Part of the reason that Syracuse’s passing attack was so successful at the start of the season was due the amount of talent Steve Angeli had to throw to. But now, a large majority of that talent is gone. The Orange’s seven
top pass catchers by receiving yards are gone from last year. So who steps up to lead the pack? Darien Williams is the leading returning receiver at eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Has a returner like him, Darius Johnson, Tyshawn Russell, Umari Hatcher or Daunte Bacheyie taken a step in the offseason? Or has a transfer such as Cole Weaver, Matthew Outten or Zamondre Merriweather taken the reins? And perhaps most importantly, how does Calvin Russell fit into that picture when he’s healthy?
Mike: Offensive Line. It’s never the flashiest battle to watch unfold, but with the last two seasons showing the extremes of keeping your QB healthy versus not being able to, you can’t deny how important finding the best five guys up front is. Trevion Mack at left tackle seems like the only locked down spot entering fall camp. Joe Cruz split time between center and both guard positions last season – he is trending towards the former for this fall. Byron Washington should get a guard spot after solid work there in the second half last year. That leaves two spots open. Kam Pringle and Naquil Betrand both had some game action in their first year with the Orange and are solid candidates. But where does UCLA transfer Oluwafunto Akinshilo fit in? What about fellow redshirt senior Zach Rice? Or will one of the underclassmen surprise and fight to the top?
Dom: Running back. It’s quite a unique group. Not just because of Yasin Willis’s departure, but who the Orange’s options are to work with in the backfield. Ju’Juan Johnson brings SEC experience, quite a unique background/skill set, and could be used as both a runner and a pass-catcher. Another new addition, Ahmad Miller, is coming off quite a productive year, but the first-team All-SWAC back will now see tougher competition and deal with a Syracuse offensive line that historically has uphill battles. Fans can’t forget about returners Malachi Coleman and Tylik Hill, either of whom could take on larger roles. Ultimately, any combination could be seen on the field, and I personally wouldn’t be surprised. Especially at this position, there could be the most players in and out by the game.
Kevin: I’m going to be interested to see how the defensive line takes shape. We know the Orange will likely feature transfers Dillon Fontus, Keyshawn Johnson and Tunmise Adeleye, but what about the returners? Will Tremble or Omopariola be used as ends, or linebackers who slide down to rush the passer on third downs? Vince Kehres wants to attack the offense, so what will the rotations up front look like in September?
Which players are you most excited to hear about during camp?
Christian: Geamus Sackie. There are a lot of good players on Syracuse’s defense. The stars are, of course, the cornerbacks in Chris Peal and Demetres Samuel. But of all the players to win Syracuse’s defensive player of spring practice, a slightly less-heralded true freshman took the crown. Now, there’s a lot of talent also in the linebacker room. But if a true freshman can make an impact that quickly and impress his coaches and teammates that quickly, how much of an impact can he make once the season rolls around? It’s time to pay attention to Sackie a bit more intently now.
Mike: The Quarterbacks. Basically a part two of my first point. This team will live and die by its QB play, so I’m eager to see an updated timetable on Steve Angeli’s return. If he isn’t good to go for the start of the campaign, the competition between Malachi Nelson and Amari Odom should be the centerpiece of the next month. The outcome will shape the structure of the offense in the short term – Nelson is a classic pocket passer like Angeli, while Odom used his legs a fair bit while at Kennesaw. Pair that with the inexperienced WR room, and it’s clear that the Orange need to have a plan of attack set early in camp.
Dom: Tunmise Adeleye. A lot of the focus heading into the year for the Orange defense will be on the elite potential in the secondary, expected breakout campaigns for players like Antoine Deslauriers, or even the reset under new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres. That said, Syracuse desperately needs to improve, compared to last season, in at least one of the trenches. Tunmise Adeleye is the experienced, arguably top defensive transfer who could immediately set the tone after a career year with UNLV. He’s a stopgap starter in the short term, but he can definitely help and be a key reason for the defense improving in 2026.
Kevin: Noah Meyers
A steady tight end can help the Orange offense in a number of ways. Meyers might not be a game-breaker like Oronde Gadsden, but if he can be a reliable outlet for the quarterbacks it will be a huge boost to the passing game. With questions on the offensive line and at wide receiver, Meyers has an opportunity to be a steadying force.
*************************************************************************************************
Now it’s your turn, which position battles and players are you watching the next month?
