Syracuse keeps building through the transfer portal, and the latest addition brings more depth to the secondary. Western Kentucky defensive back Jai Eugene Jr. is headed to the Orange, giving Fran Brown’s defense another experienced piece in the back end.
Eugene played in 10 games for WKU in 2025, putting up 21 tackles, five pass breakups, and half a sack. Those numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, but they point to a player who was active in coverage and willing to come downhill in run support. He’s not just a warm body - he’s a guy who’s been on the field and contributed at the FBS level.
His journey to Syracuse has already taken a few turns. Eugene started at Tulane, where he redshirted after appearing in just one game in 2023.
From there, he transferred to Western Kentucky and saw more action, totaling 24 tackles over two seasons. Now, with two years of eligibility remaining, he’s looking to take the next step in his development with the Orange.
Eugene isn’t making the move alone, either. He’s the third player from WKU to transfer to Syracuse this cycle, joining defensive lineman Nazir Ward and linebacker Noah Meyers. That trio brings familiarity, chemistry, and experience - all valuable assets for a defense that’s going through some turnover.
And that turnover is real. The Orange lost both starting safeties, Devin Grant and Duce Chestnut, to graduation.
That leaves a leadership void and a need for proven players who can step in and contribute right away. Eugene helps fill that gap, and he’ll be joining a group that still has some intriguing young talent, including Braheem Long Jr. and rising freshman Demetres Samuel Jr., who turned heads last season.
The addition of Eugene is another calculated move as Syracuse reshapes its roster under a new regime. It’s not just about plugging holes - it’s about finding the right fits to elevate the program. With Eugene, the Orange get a versatile defensive back who’s already shown he can compete, and now he gets a shot to do it on a bigger stage.