ACC Network recently made a stop at Syracuse football training camp, airing on their network last night as they showed viewers an up-close look at the Orange as they prepare to try and rewerite the script on their 2026 season.
The visit provided an opportunity to speak with several of Syracuse’s key players and coaches, offering insight into a team looking to put last season behind it and return to the form it showed early in the 2025 campaign.
One of the most notable voices on the panel was Steve
Addazio, a veteran college football coach who has decades of coaching experience, including head-coaching stops at Temple, Boston College and Colorado State.
When asked about the team’s identity, Addazio kept his philosophy for the squad simple: “Run it on offense and stop the run on defense.” He also offered an encouraging assessment of the offensive line, saying, “This is a better looking and well-coached offensive line.” Encouraging words for all ‘Cuse fans to hear after the disappointing season last year.
Quarterback Steve Angeli is another major piece of Syracuse’s hopes for a bounce-back season. He was able to speak to the panel and told them he “reached 100% a couple weeks ago, right before camp started.” He also noted that rather than simply relying on his recovery, Angeli used the offseason to improve his physical condition.
“When recovering I learned what could I do to improve my body,” Angeli said when reflecting on his offseason approach. And other thing he revealed was that he experienced a change physically as well, “I put on ten pounds of muscle,” he said.
Angeli also acknowledged that last season left the Orange motivated to respond. “For us last year left a sour taste in our mouth,” he said.
That motivation is shared by his teammates. Offensive Lineman Trevion Mack expressed confidence in having Angeli back under center, saying, “It’s a relief having Steve back at QB because I know what he can do and how he can run the offense.” Angeli’s return is particularly significant given Fran Brown’s track record. The panel noted that Brown is 13-4 when he has had a healthy starting quarterback at Syracuse.
But looking ahead to the new season, Angeli also mentioned two recievers first who have impressed so far during during camp: “Amari Hatcher and Boobie Johnson have done a great job standing out so far.”
On defense, cornerback Chris Peal highlighted the impact of defensive coordinator Vince Kehres, saying, “Vince has brought in so much knowledge that I didn’t even know.” Peal described the defensive coordinator’s approach as providing “new ways to look at the game” and “always providing an answer.”
Peal also had high praise for Angeli’s physical development, joking that “Steve is a different breed, he might have gotten even faster (after his injury).”
One last thing to note is that Syracuse could receive another offensive boost later in the season when wide receiver Calvin Russell returns. Russell is expected to provide an important weapon for the Orange after undergoing the same type of surgery as Jayson Tatum, with coach Fran Brown repeatedly saying Russell will be ready to go in October..
With camp underway, Syracuse appears determined to regain the form it showed during the first four games of 2025 and with a clean slate, Fran Brown and the Orange continue to get ready for the upcoming season.
Who are you most excited to see perform for this team this upcoming season?
