After an eventful few weeks in Happy Valley that saw longtime head coach James Franklin fired, things got even worse for Penn State — and Syracuse was quick to capitalize.
The Orange flipped three-star defensive lineman Alexander Haskell, a Philadelphia native and Class of 2026 standout from St. Joseph’s Prep. Haskell decommitted from Penn State on Wednesday before announcing his pledge to Syracuse the very next day. Haskell is rated a consensus top-100 player at his position
Haskell wasn’t the only
big get for Fran Brown and company. The Orange also landed two 2027 commits after weekend visits: Connor Long, a towering 6-foot-7, 343-pound offensive lineman from New Jersey and Marcus Small from Jacksonville, who is 6’7” and 293 pounds.. Despite Syracuse’s loss to Pitt last weekend, the visit seemed to seal the deal for both Long and Small.
Long is rated three-stars by Rivals and had offers from Toledo and Monmouth. Small is not rated and had an offer from Alabama State. Both players fit the profile that Syracuse is looking for on the offensive line, which is big and tall.
In addition to the commits, Syracuse will host 2027’s top-ranked running back next week. Kemon Spell from Pennsylvania is considering the Orange along with a number of top programs after he decommitted from Penn State.
With three more commits now on board and visits from more top players, Syracuse continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail as Fran Brown’s staff keeps stacking talent for the future.
