Syracuse football’s 2026 recruiting class is already making waves - and two of its cornerstone commits just added more hardware to their résumés.
Five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell III has been named the Dade 3A-1A Offensive Player of the Year, a major honor in one of the most talent-rich regions in the country. Meanwhile, four-star edge rusher Kamron Wilson earned first-team All-Dade honors for the second straight year, solidifying his status as one of Florida’s top defensive playmakers.
These aren’t just accolades - they’re validation of the kind of elite talent head coach Fran Brown and his staff are bringing to Central New York.
Let’s start with Russell, the 6-foot-5, 195-pound playmaker from Miami Northwestern Senior High School. In 2025, he helped lead the Bulls to a 13-1 record and a runner-up finish in the FHSAA Class 3A state playoffs.
His performance in the state title game was electric: eight catches for 136 yards and a rushing touchdown. That’s the kind of big-stage production that gets coaches - and fans - excited.
Over the course of his senior season, Russell proved he’s more than just a deep threat. He caught seven touchdowns and totaled 517 receiving yards in nine games, per MaxPreps.
But he also showed off his versatility - rushing for 38 yards and a score, and even throwing for 368 yards and four touchdowns without a single interception. That’s a rare skill set for a high school wideout.
And oh yeah - he’s already getting minutes on the hardwood for Syracuse basketball, recently scoring his first points in a game against N.C. State.
Dual-sport athletes at this level don’t come around often.
Then there’s Kamron Wilson, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound edge rusher out of Miami Southridge Senior High School. Wilson helped lead the Spartans to an 11-2 record and a deep playoff run, reaching the regional finals of the FHSAA Class 6A state tournament.
His senior-year production backs up the hype: 45 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries in 10 games. He was a disruptive force off the edge all season long, and his back-to-back All-Dade First Team selections speak to his consistency and dominance.
Both players were recognized in ESPN’s final 2026 national rankings, which featured 300 of the top high school prospects in the country. Russell came in at No. 36 overall - making him the highest-ranked Syracuse signee in over 20 years. Wilson landed at No. 286, rounding out a class that’s as deep as it is talented.
With 26 commits, this 2026 group is officially the highest-rated recruiting class in Syracuse football history during the modern rankings era. Fran Brown and his staff have done more than just build a solid foundation - they’ve raised the ceiling of what’s possible for the program.
Big-time talent. Big-time production. And now, big-time recognition.
The future in Syracuse looks bright - and it’s already starting to shine.