Syracuse’s second depth chart of the season is out, and the Orange is keeping plenty of things flexible as it prepares for California on Saturday.
The school is labeling it a “projected depth chart,” a reminder that roles can shift quickly as Fran Brown’s team moves through the early part of 2026. Syracuse opened the year with a 66-3 win over New Hampshire and now turns to its first conference matchup, hosting Cal in game two.
At quarterback, Steve Angeli remains the starter, with Amari Odom or Malachi Nelson listed behind him. The backfield also has an “OR” designation, with Tylik Hill or Matthew Outten at running back and Shavane Anderson as the next option.
The receiving group is set with Umari Hatcher, Cole Weaver and Darius Johnson all listed as starters. Behind them, Syracuse has Zamondre Merriweather, Julan McFadden and Darien Williams on the depth chart.
Tight end belongs to David Clement, with Noah Meyers backing him up. Up front, the line shows Trevion Mack at left tackle, Oluwafunto Akinshilo at left guard, Joe Cruz at center, Byron Washington at right guard and Kam Pringle at right tackle. The backups include Naquil Betrand, Zach Rice or Matthew Hawn, Khalil Stewart or Matthew Hawn, Jayden Mann and Skyler Harvey or David Ndukwe.
On defense, Tunmise Adeleye and Nissi Ogbebor are listed as starters at end and tackle, with Jaylen Pray and Jartavius Flounoy behind them. Rashard Perry or Dillan Fontus occupies the other tackle spot, while Keyshawn Johnson or David Omopariola is listed at the opposite end.
At linebacker, Antoine Deslauriers and Chris D’Appalonia are the starters. Zyian Moultrie-Goddard, Jamie Tremble or Gemaus Sackie are next in line. The secondary shows Davien Kerr at nickel, Demetres Samuel or Nazir Ward at one corner, Cornell Perry or Ziyyon Bredell at strong safety, Braheem Long at free safety, and Chris Peal or Nazir Ward at the other corner.
Special teams is headed by Tripp Woody at kicker, Jimmy Gregg at punter and Fran Brown Jr. at long snapper. Matthew Outten is listed as the kickoff returner, Demetres Samuel as the punt returner, and the rest of the unit includes Shay Barker, Mateja Pavlovich, Tim Schwerha, Pheonix Henriquez, Davien Kerr, Javon Lawrence, Chase Geter and Cam Hairston-Taylor.
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Syracuse's Top Recruit Could Be In Play Sooner Than Anyone Expected
Calvin Russells recovery has taken an unexpectedly quick turn for Syracuse, with the 2026 recruit back at practice just six months after tearing his Achilles. He is now listed as questionable for the Oranges upcoming game against Cal, a notable development for a player whose timeline initially suggested a much longer road back.
Fran Brown said Russells status will be tested before kickoff, giving Syracuse a chance to see how the young talent responds in a real game-day setting. Justus Ross-Simmons is expected to be active for the ACC opener, but Russells availability still hangs in the balance, leaving the Orange to wait and see whether one of their top recruits can get back on the field sooner than anyone expected. [Read more 🡒]
Fran Brown Just Raised The Stakes For Syracuses ACC Opener
Ahead of Syracuses ACC opener against California, Fran Brown gave the Orange a clearer picture of their receiving room, and it comes at a good time. Justus Ross-Simmons, whose eligibility status has been in flux, is confirmed to be available for Saturday, giving Syracuse another option as it tries to build on the momentum from its 66-3 win over New Hampshire.
Calvin Russell III remains the bigger question. He is working back from a torn Achilles, and Brown said he will be tested on Friday to see whether he can suit up against California. For an Orange team trying to carry a dominant nonconference performance into league play, the final answer on Russell could shape how much flexibility Syracuse has when the lights come on for its ACC opener. [Read more 🡒]
Syracuse Will Honor A Program Figure Fans Still Associate With Orange Pride
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Allen is scheduled to be recognized on the field at halftime of Syracuses upcoming game against California, a moment that fits the spirit of the award as much as the man receiving it. For Orange fans, it is also another reminder of how much of the programs identity is built on figures like Allen, whose legacy still resonates whenever Syracuse chooses to put its history front and center. [Read more 🡒]