Dillan Fontus Commits to Syracuse: Veteran Defensive Lineman Adds Power to the Orange Front
It’s official - Dillan Fontus is headed to the 315.
After weeks of buzz, the former Maryland defensive lineman announced his commitment to Syracuse on Saturday night, giving the Orange a proven, durable presence up front with just one year of eligibility remaining. And make no mistake - this is more than just a depth move. Fontus brings experience, production, and a physical edge to a defensive unit looking to turn the page in 2026.
Fontus has been a model of consistency over the past three seasons, appearing in all 12 games each year. But it was his 2025 campaign that really turned heads.
He tallied 14 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and even batted down a pass - no small feat for a defensive tackle who does most of his work in the trenches. That kind of disruption from the interior is exactly what Syracuse needs as it rebuilds its defensive identity under new leadership.
A New Era Under Fran Brown
Syracuse is coming off a rough 3-9 season, one that spiraled after quarterback Steve Angeli went down with a season-ending injury. The Orange dropped their final eight games without him, but before the injury, they were a promising 3-1. With Angeli healthy and back under center, there’s optimism that 2026 could look a lot different.
And it’s not just Angeli’s return that has fans hopeful. Head coach Fran Brown has been aggressive in the transfer portal, bringing in a wave of experienced players across both sides of the ball. That includes not only Fontus, but also multiple quarterbacks with starting experience - a clear move to ensure the team isn’t caught shorthanded again if injuries strike.
On the defensive side, Syracuse made a major hire in Vince Kehres as defensive coordinator. Kehres helped build one of the top defenses in the MAC at Toledo, and his arrival signals a clear emphasis on toughness, discipline, and playmaking on that side of the ball. With Fontus anchoring the interior, Kehres has a veteran piece to help set the tone up front.
A Closer Look at Syracuse’s Transfer Haul
Fontus is part of a larger influx of talent that’s reshaping the Orange roster. Here’s a look at the full list of incoming transfers:
- Ahmad Miller, RB (Jackson State)
- Jartavius Flounoy, DT (Georgia State)
- Cole Weaver, WR (Miami of Ohio)
- Ju’Juan Johnson, RB (LSU)
- Chris D’Appolonia, LB (Toledo)
- Elijah Moore, WR (Florida State)
- Keyshawn Johnson, Edge (UT-Martin)
- Dillan Fontus, DL (Maryland)
- Amari Odom, QB (Kennesaw State)
- Amare Snowden, DB (Toledo)
- Tunmise Adeleye, DE (UNLV)
- Nazir Ward, DB (Western Kentucky)
- Matthew Outten, WR (Penn State)
- Danny Lauter, QB (Georgetown)
- Jai Eugene, DB (Western Kentucky)
- Oluwafunto Akinshilo, OL (UCLA)
This group brings a mix of Power Five pedigree, Group of Five production, and positional depth that Syracuse sorely needed. Whether it’s Moore’s speed at receiver, Adeleye’s edge-rushing potential, or Odom and Lauter giving the QB room more stability, the Orange have added legitimate contributors across the board.
Around the Dome
While the football program is gearing up for a new chapter, the Syracuse men’s basketball team snapped a four-game skid with an 86-72 win over Notre Dame on Saturday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. Senior guard JJ Starling led the way with 21 points, while sophomore standout Donnie Freeman had a quieter night with just seven.
At halftime, the program paid tribute to the late Lawrence Moten, the all-time leading scorer in Syracuse history. Former head coach Jim Boeheim delivered a heartfelt message honoring Moten’s legacy. The Orange have worn commemorative patches all season in his memory - a small but powerful reminder of the program’s rich history and the players who helped shape it.
What’s Next
With Fontus now officially in the fold, Syracuse continues to build toward what it hopes will be a bounce-back season. The pieces are coming together - a healthy quarterback, a new defensive coordinator, and a transfer class that brings both experience and upside.
There’s still work to be done, but for the first time in a while, there’s a sense that the Orange are moving in the right direction. And with players like Dillan Fontus leading the charge, Syracuse might just surprise some people in 2026.