Fran Brown and Syracuse have stayed in the hunt for one of New Jersey’s top 2028 prospects, and Anthony Lopez Jr. says he’ll be back on campus this fall.
Lopez, a four-star athlete from Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, N.J., has built a strong connection with Brown and the Orange staff while the recruiting push has intensified. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound prospect plays both wide receiver and cornerback, and Syracuse first offered him a scholarship in January 2025, according to his X page.
That early offer has kept Syracuse squarely in the mix. Lopez has already made multiple visits to the program, and he’s expected to add another when he comes to see the Orange in person this fall.
Inside the Loud House was told that he plans to attend Syracuse’s 2026 regular-season finale against Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 28, at the JMA Wireless Dome. Notre Dame is No. 4 in the Associated Press’ preseason top-25 poll.
Lopez’s fall travel schedule is a busy one. Per 247Sports and confirmed by Inside the Loud House, he plans nine game-day visits this season: Virginia, Duke, UCLA, Penn State, Rutgers, Auburn, Illinois, Nebraska and Syracuse.
The New Jersey standout has made no secret of his appreciation for Syracuse’s attention. On Jan. 22, 2025, he posted after receiving his offer: “After a Great Conversation I am blessed and Very Grateful to receive My 4th Division 1 offer from @SyracuseU #Goorange #Aj7 #AGTG #4UGMA #ChangeTheScript #Livin @Greg_Russo @PCFB_Paladins @PCFBrecruits @ParamusCathPSN @CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/A5xGv4nSSq”
He later wrote after a Sept. 6, 2025 visit: “Appreciate the hospitality and good team win @FranBrownCuse #goorange #Dart @CoachEMarcCuse #AJ7 pic.twitter.com/GNELtPEuz0”
And after an April 5, 2025 trip, he posted: “Want to thank @CuseFootball for having me on campus and @FranBrownCuse for being official. @CoachEMarcCuse @CoachNunz great seeing you all again.
Can’t wait to get back on campus again . #GoOrange pic.twitter.com/ZsxX1ZIaY6”
Brown’s New Jersey roots matter here, and Syracuse’s recruiting footprint across the Northeast corridor makes Paramus Catholic a natural place to stay active. The Orange have made Lopez a priority, and he’s said to have a strong relationship with Brown and the program.
His junior season at Paramus Catholic is still to come, but the next step in his recruitment could come after those fall game-day visits wrap up. Lopez is likely to narrow his list of schools still in the running once that stretch ends.
On the field, Paramus Catholic went 6-7 in the 2025 campaign, according to MaxPreps. As a sophomore, Lopez caught 22 passes for 459 yards and seven touchdowns. He also made his mark on defense with 12 solo tackles, 20 total tackles, one interception returned 70 yards for a touchdown, and four pass breakups.
Recruiting services have Lopez ranked among the nation’s best in the 2028 class. The Rivals Industry Ranking has him No. 226 overall, No. 11 among athletes and No. 10 in New Jersey. The 247Sports Composite lists him at No. 273 nationally, No. 14 at athlete and No. 10 in the state.
Syracuse is facing plenty of competition for him. His scholarship list includes Auburn, Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, N.C. State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, UCLA, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, East Carolina, Temple, Akron, Bowling Green and UConn.
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