With the Syracuse Orange on hiatus, some former players from the 2025 team are now showcasing their talents in hopes of continuing their football careers in the pros. Fans most recently got to see the latest member of #PunterU to represent ‘Cuse at the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl.
Jack Stonehouse — who played for three years with Syracuse and became one of the most notable productive punters in the country — had the chance to take the field on Tuesday for the bowl. Stonehouse was on the East team,
which narrowly lost 21-17 to the West.
Stonehouse most certainly had his moments. He punted the ball five times in total, three in the first half and two in the second. He ended the game with an average of 54 yards per kick. The final tally: 45, 62, 49, 57 and 57.
Only one of Stonehouse’s kicks, his first, was returned. Three of his kicks were touchbacks of varying degrees. His fifth kick was easily his best. Stonehouse booted it from his team’s own 41-yard line, with the football bouncing all the way to the opponent’s two-yard line. The East team moments later would get a touchdown off a sack in the end zone.
Stonehouse was also the designated holder for one field goal, which was good from 33 yards out.
For his Syracuse career, Stonehouse kicked 154 times for a total of over 7,000 yards, an average of almost 46 yards per kick. He was most recently named to the All-ACC first team in 2025. He was a third-team conference selection in 2023 and an honorable mention pick the year after.
As of Wednesday, Stonehouse is currently one of four punters expected to be picked in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to Pro Football Focus.
So far, it’s reported Stonehouse did meet with the Washington Commanders at the bowl, along with some other special teams kickers.
Fans will also get to see another former Orange take the field later this week. Tight end Dan Villari is set to compete in the Senior Bowl. He is the only Syracuse player who was selected for the event.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place between April 23 and 25.
