The Syracuse Orange continue to add to the defensive side of the ball from the transfer portal. Western Kentucky defensive back Nazir Ward has committed to Syracuse. The Miami, Florida native will have
two years of eligibility remaining.
Ward posted nice stats in his redshirt sophomore year in 2025 with Western Kentucky. He recorded 34 total tackles with an interception and six pass breakups. Ward only played four games in 2024 to redshirt, but played nine games as a true freshman in 2023. He only had five tackles that season but impressed enough to earn Conference USA All-Freshman team honors.
Ward hails from Miami Northwestern High school in Miami, Florida. Incoming Syracuse five-star wide receiver recruit Calvin Russell III and four-star safety recruit Tedarius Hughes also attended Miami Northwestern. Current Orange wide receiver Darius “Boobie” Johnson is also a Miami Northwestern alum. The Orange also had DeAngelo Thompson and Eric Thomas from Miami Northwestern on its roster, but both players entered the transfer portal this offseason.
One would assume that Syracuse’s starting cornerbacks are set with Chris Peal and Demetres Samuel both returning to the Orange. However, plenty of Orange cornerback did leave in the portal. Kaylib Singleton, Ibn McDaniels and Greg Delaine are just some of the Syracuse cornerbacks that left the program via the transfer portal.
Ward is the sixth defensive player and 13th overall player to commit to Syracuse from the transfer portal this offseason. He joins Boise State/Glendale CC wide receiver Zamondre Merriweather, South Carolina tight end Michael Smith, LSU running back Ju’Juan Johnson, Miami (OH) wide receiver Cole Weaver, Jackson State running back Ahmad Miller, Georgia State defensive tackle Jartavius Flounoy, Toledo linebacker Chris D’Appolonia, Florida State wide receiver Elijah Moore, UT Martin edge rusher Keyshawn Johnson, Maryland defensive lineman Dillan Fontus, Kennesaw State QB Amari Odom and Toledo defensive back Amare Snowden as Orange transfer portal additions.
The transfer portal remains open for entry until January 15th. Players must enter their names into the portal before the deadline. Schools can still sign players after the deadline as long as the player is in the portal before the deadline.
