Syracuse in the Hunt: 4-Star RB Xavier Bala Sets Commitment Date, Names Final Five
Xavier Bala, a name that’s been buzzing on the recruiting trail for months, has narrowed the field. The 2027 four-star running back out of Long Island’s St. Anthony’s High School is down to five programs-and Syracuse, the first school to offer him, is still very much in the mix.
Bala announced that he’ll make his college decision on January 10, 2026, during the nationally televised Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio. That game, airing on NBC, won’t just be a showcase for elite high school talent-it’ll also be the stage where one of the most coveted backs in the 2027 class makes his next move.
Joining Syracuse in Bala’s final five are defending national champion Ohio State, Nebraska, and two fellow ACC programs: Boston College and Virginia.
A Back Built for the Big Stage
At 6 feet, 215 pounds, Bala brings a rare blend of size, power, and explosiveness to the backfield. His junior season stats speak volumes: 1,411 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns, plus 10 catches for 82 yards.
Those numbers don’t just pop-they command attention. And they’ve helped him rack up 19 FBS offers heading into the heart of his recruitment.
Bala’s been a force for St. Anthony’s, helping guide the Friars to a 7-5 record this fall.
But it’s not just the raw production that has college coaches intrigued-it’s the way he gets it done. He runs with a boxer’s balance (he’s a trained fighter, too), showing off a compact, upright style that can deliver punishment and make defenders miss.
That physicality and agility have earned him MVP honors at multiple national camps, including the UA Camp, ALL22 Camp, and the Navy All-American Combine.
Syracuse Was First-and They're Not Going Quietly
Syracuse fans have every reason to keep a close eye on Bala’s decision. The Orange were the first to offer him a scholarship back in June 2024, and the relationship has only grown since. Bala has made several trips to campus, including a visit this past September when Syracuse hosted Duke at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Orange staff-led by head coach Fran Brown and running backs coach DeAndre Smith-has been relentless in their pursuit. Bala has consistently shown appreciation for the coaching staff’s personal touch and development-focused approach.
In a recruiting world where timing and relationships matter, being first can carry weight. Syracuse is banking on that early trust to pay off.
National Rankings Reflect Bala's Rising Stock
Recruiting services are aligned on Bala’s potential. ESPN ranks him as the No. 199 overall prospect in the 2027 class, the No. 15 running back nationally, and the No. 2 player in New York. Rivals places him a bit lower nationally at No. 292 but also has him as the second-best player in the Empire State.
What’s clear across the board: Bala is a Power Four-caliber back with the tools to contribute early and often at the next level. Andrew Ivins, 247Sports’ director of scouting, recently praised Bala’s physicality and movement, calling him a “big and powerful running back” who “can make explosive cuts” and “projects as a future multi-year contributor.”
The Bigger Picture for Syracuse
Bala’s recruitment is part of a broader push by Syracuse to lock down elite talent in the 2027 cycle. The Orange already have eight verbal commitments from high school juniors, and their class currently ranks No. 8 nationally, per the 247Sports Composite.
They’re also in the top 10 for another top-tier New York back: Elijah Kimble, a four-star from Canisius High School in Buffalo. Kimble, the No. 1 player in the state, listed Syracuse among his finalists in late November.
The message from Fran Brown’s staff is clear: Syracuse isn’t just recruiting New York-they’re trying to own it.
What’s Next
All eyes now turn to January 10. Bala will suit up in the Navy All-American Bowl, one of the premier showcases for high school talent, and announce his commitment live on NBC.
For Syracuse, it’s a chance to land a cornerstone player in their 2027 class. For Bala, it’s the next step in a football journey that’s already drawing national attention.
One thing’s for sure: whichever school lands Xavier Bala isn’t just getting a talented back-they’re getting a tone-setter.