Syracuse football is firmly in the mix for one of the most electrifying prospects in the 2027 recruiting class - five-star wide receiver Nick Lennear - and the rising star is making moves both on and off the field.
Lennear, a top-20 national prospect, is set to transfer from Miami Northwestern Senior High School to Miami Carol City Senior High School for the upcoming season. The two schools are just 10 miles apart, but the shift could offer Lennear a fresh opportunity to showcase his talent in a different system, all while continuing to build his already-impressive résumé.
At 6-foot, 165 pounds, Lennear has the kind of game-breaking ability that jumps off the tape. He’s not just a highlight reel waiting to happen - he’s a polished, two-way playmaker who’s been producing on the biggest stages.
In this year’s Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A state championship game, Lennear hauled in six catches for 135 yards and a touchdown, and also snagged an interception on defense. That kind of two-way dominance is rare, especially at this level.
His former team, Miami Northwestern, went 13-1 and made it all the way to the Class 3A title game. Lennear played alongside fellow five-star wideout and Orange 2026 signee Calvin Russell III - another elite prospect and a top-25 player in his class.
That kind of talent pairing doesn’t just draw attention - it demands it. And Lennear more than held his own.
Now, as he heads to Miami Carol City, a program that finished 6-5 this past season, Lennear will likely take on an even greater leadership role. And make no mistake - he’s already thinking big.
In November, he announced he’s locked in for the All-American Bowl, one of the premier showcases for high school talent in the country. His message?
“Straight out of the 305 to the NATIONAL STAGE. This is BIG… but trust me - I’m coming to make it even BIGGER.”
That’s not just talk. Lennear’s recruitment is heating up, and the list of programs chasing him reads like a who's who of college football.
His offer sheet includes heavyweights like Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, and USC, as well as regional powers like Florida State, Miami, and Florida. Syracuse is right there in the mix, too - and while it’s not confirmed whether the Orange have officially extended an offer, they’re clearly a school Lennear is watching closely.
The Orange are making real noise on the recruiting trail under head coach Fran Brown and general manager Tommy Caporale. Their 2027 class already boasts eight verbal commitments and currently ranks No. 6 nationally, per the 247Sports Composite. Syracuse has been especially aggressive in Florida, and that Sunshine State pipeline is paying dividends.
Lennear’s recruitment will be one to watch. Miami is naturally in the conversation as the hometown program, and there’s buzz around Florida State and Oklahoma as well.
But Syracuse has momentum - and a growing track record of landing elite talent from Florida. If they can keep that trend going, they’ll be in this race until the end.
As for Lennear’s on-field projection, the scouting community is already sold. 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins recently updated his evaluation, calling Lennear “a true big-play threat” with “inside-outside versatility” and the kind of deep speed that can flip a game in a single snap. Ivins also noted Lennear’s ability as a defensive back, which only adds to his value and versatility at the next level.
Bottom line: Lennear isn’t just one of the top receivers in the 2027 class - he’s one of the most dynamic players in the country, period. His transfer to Carol City, his All-American Bowl invite, and the growing list of powerhouse programs chasing him all point to a player on a fast track to stardom.
And if Syracuse can land him? That would be a statement - not just for the class of 2027, but for the future of Orange football.