It’s time to start preparing for the 2026 Syracuse Orange football season. We’re going through the roster to take a look at each Syracuse player as we get to know a lot of new faces for Year 3 of the Fran Brown Era.
Up next is…
Name: Jaylen Pray
Position: Defensive line
Year: Redshirt freshman
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 290 lbs.
Hometown: Bronx, NY
High School/Previous College: Brunswick School (Greenwich, CT)
2025 stats: Appeared in one game; redshirted the rest of the season
2026 projections: In high school, Pray
lined up primarily on the edge. Given his six-foot-six height and current measurements, it’s likely Pray stays in that role for the Orange going forward. Will he have a big role for the 2026 Orange? It’s tough to say, especially since Syracuse has plenty of experience at the defensive line and on the edge via the transfer portal. Expect a bit more on-field appearances, but likely still a year away from potentially meaningful playing time.
How’d he get here?: Committed to the Orange in March 2024 over an offer from Boston College.
What’d recruiting sites say?: Three stars on 247Sports, ESPN, and On3
Social Media:
X: @JaylenPray
Interesting nugget o’interest: Pray could’ve gone down the path of playing basketball instead. He played for an AAU team, the New York Gauchos, and for his high school. He also had offers from five D1 schools, including Maryland and Georgia Tech.
Let’s get a look at ya: Cue the high school tape:
