Fran Brown signed the best Syracuse Orange recruiting class since the rankings services began. The 2026 class ranked 27th by ESPN, 29th by Rivals and 31st by 247. With the signatures fresh, and a bit of
time before the transfer portal officially opens, here are some thoughts from the TNIAAM team.
Which player(s) are you most excited about in this class?
Dom: The wide receiver duo of Calvin Russell and Amare Gough are obvious the highlights, and when the Orange have had competent play at quarterback in Nixon’s offense, the receivers shine and these two most certainly can. Other names I’m keeping an eye on are EDGE Jarius Rodgers and DL Kamron Wilson, both out of Florida.
Kevin: Obviously Russell is the guy all eyes are on and I think he brings a new dynamic to the Syracuse offense. On the other side of the ball, I’m excited to see Alex Haskell on the defensive line. His flip from Penn State got overshadowed by the on-field struggles, but he could fill a big role in helping the defense improve.
Mike: Ditto with Dom – Russell and Gough could make a huge impact right from the jump as Steve Angeli returns under center for 2026. And while Haskell is the big defensive get, Kordae Houston – ironically from Dallas, TX – is another strong DL prospect who had serious interest (LSU & Texas A&M) and, like Luke Carney, knew nothing but winning in high school.
Sam: I have no idea anything about football recruiting, but if Calvin Russell is indeed going to play for Syracuse men’s basketball, he fits the mold of a super-explosive guard/wing. As you’d expect from an elite receiver recruit, his burst and first step is wicked at the high school level from the clips I’ve seen. He’s got a lot of room to grow in terms of his basketball instincts and IQ, and if he’s not fully committed to basketball, I’m not sure if that has a chance to grow.
Who is someone you think will out-perform their ranking?
Dom: Going with a dark horse pick here with three-star Shemaj Henry. He stands at 6-8 and 330 lbs., and that is just ridiculous size as an interior offensive lineman. He could be a building block down the road in the trenches.
Kevin: You know I’m picking a track guy, and Cameron Hairston-Taylor can absolutely fly. He might take a couple of years, but he’s got the type of athleticism to be a difference maker.
Mike: As long as Jeff Nixon has a strong-armed QB to work with, he’s going to scheme open lots of different targets. One of the three-star wideouts is bound to break out in his system – I’ll go with B.J. Garrett for his frame and quick first moves off the line.
Which player(s) will make an impact in the 2026 season?
Dom: Four-star DL Alexander Haskell should be in line for playing time, especially if the Orange strike out in getting experience at the D-line. Haskell is being described as someone who can be speedy off the line with a big motor, and that’s the sort of burst Syracuse needs to make opposing quarterbacks sweat. Honorable mention goes to three-star S Tedarius Hughes, simply because that safety spot is another hole currently. Standing over 6-3, he could be something.
Kevin: Again, we expect Russell to immediately jump into the wide receiver rotation, but his teammate Tedarius Hughes is going to get an early opportunity because of the needs at safety. Jimmy Gregg is expected to take over punting duties and he’s got some big shoes to fill, but I also think we should keep an eye on linebacker Maurice Medley. Medley might not start, but I expect we see him on special teams coverage units.
Mike: Aside from the obvious… Carter Bashir fits a similar mold to the departing Dan Villari – a tight end who can both dish out blocks and be an over-the-middle threat who’s hard to bring down. Jamie Tremble could stick more at LB out of necessity, opening up some quick opportunities for the three-star Philly export.
What is Syracuse’s biggest need heading into the transfer portal?
Dom: Quarterback insurance by far considering what happened when Angeli was sidelined for the year. And again, production at defensive line has to be way better for Syracuse to turn its prospects around in 2026.
Kevin: Offensive line help for sure. Fran Brown mentioned a center, but I would be shocked if the Orange don’t add an experienced tackle.
Mike: As much o-line depth as possible. Some help in the secondary couldn’t hurt either, but spend as much of the budget as needed on keeping Angeli upright.
