Syracuse football continues to make noise in the transfer portal, pushing its offseason tally to at least 18 new commits as the window nears its Friday closing. And the Orange aren’t just collecting bodies-they’re strategically filling gaps, adding experience and depth across the board, including a new quarterback to the mix.
The latest wave brings in four more names: UCLA offensive lineman Oluwafunto Akinshilo, Western Kentucky defensive back Jai Eugene Jr., Georgetown quarterback Danny Lauter, and Western Kentucky tight end Noah Meyer. All four were confirmed additions as of Friday, and they join a growing list of transfers that has Syracuse sitting at No. 52 in the national portal rankings, per 247Sports.
Let’s break down the newest faces headed to the Dome.
Oluwafunto Akinshilo - OL, UCLA
Akinshilo is a 6-foot-5, 325-pound redshirt senior originally from Lagos, Nigeria.
He saw action in 12 games for the Bruins in 2025, mostly on special teams during field goal and extra point units. While he wasn’t a regular on the offensive line, the size and maturity he brings could be valuable in the trenches, especially in a conference where physicality up front is non-negotiable.
Jai Eugene Jr. - DB, Western Kentucky
Eugene is a 6-foot-1, 186-pound redshirt sophomore from Destrehan, Louisiana, and he brings a solid résumé from his time with the Hilltoppers.
In 2025, he played in all 13 games, racking up 21 total tackles, including 13 solo stops, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and five pass breakups. That kind of production suggests he’s more than just depth-he could push for real playing time in a secondary that’s looking to add playmakers.
Danny Lauter - QB, Georgetown
Lauter, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior out of Greenwich, Connecticut, adds another option to the quarterback room.
He appeared in three games for Georgetown last season, completing 61 percent of his passes for 613 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. Those are efficient numbers in limited action, and while he may not arrive with Power Five experience, he’s shown he can manage an offense and make smart decisions with the football.
Noah Meyer - TE, Western Kentucky
At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Meyer is a redshirt sophomore from Louisville, Kentucky, who played in 11 games last season.
He hauled in 32 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns-strong production for a tight end. Syracuse could use a pass-catching threat at the position, and Meyer’s ability to stretch the field or work the seams gives the Orange another dimension in the passing game.
These four join an already robust transfer class that reflects a clear strategy: bring in experienced players from a range of programs to compete immediately. From Power Five programs to Group of Five standouts, Syracuse is casting a wide net to reload its roster.
Here’s a look at the rest of the Orange’s 2026 transfer class:
- Matt Outten, WR, Penn State (Freshman)
- Tunmise Adeleye, EDGE, UNLV (Redshirt Senior)
- Nazir Ward, CB, Western Kentucky (Redshirt Sophomore)
- Amare Snowden, S, Toledo (Redshirt Sophomore)
- Amari Odom, QB, Kennesaw State (Redshirt Sophomore)
- Dillan Fontus, DL, Maryland (Junior)
- Keyshawn Johnson, EDGE, UT Martin (Junior)
- Elijah Moore, WR, Florida State (Redshirt Freshman)
- Chris D’Appolonia, LB, Toledo (Redshirt Sophomore)
- Cole Weaver, WR, Miami (Ohio) (Redshirt Sophomore)
- Ahmad Miller, RB, Jackson State (Redshirt Sophomore)
- Jartavius Flounoy, DT, Georgia State (Freshman)
- Ju’Juan Johnson, RB, LSU (Sophomore)
- Michael Smith, TE, South Carolina (Sophomore)
This group is a mix of young talent and veteran presence, with reinforcements at nearly every position. The staff is clearly building with intent-looking to elevate the program’s floor while giving themselves more flexibility and competition across the depth chart.
With the portal window closing soon, Syracuse has made its move. Now it’s about turning those additions into impact players on the field.