Syracuse football is building something special on the recruiting trail - and the rest of the country is starting to take notice.
With a top-10 national ranking for the 2027 class and momentum that doesn’t appear to be slowing anytime soon, the Orange are positioning themselves as a serious player in the next wave of college football talent. Currently sitting at No. 6 nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite, Syracuse already has at least eight verbal commitments in the fold - and more could be on the way.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand, who’s visiting, and which high-profile prospects could be next to join the Orange.
Official Visits on Deck
The Orange staff has lined up a strong slate of official visits this spring and early summer - and these visits could be pivotal in shaping how the 2027 class ultimately comes together.
May 29-31
- Michael Nnabuife, a three-star tight end from Saint Frances Academy (Baltimore), is scheduled to visit. Nnabuife brings size and athleticism to the position, and he’s coming from a powerhouse program known for producing college-ready talent.
June 5-7
- Tristin Hughes, a four-star athlete out of Rocky River High School in Ohio, is already verbally committed to Syracuse.
This visit will be about solidifying that bond and continuing to build relationships with the staff.
- Nico Ramos, an offensive lineman from American Heritage in Florida, is also set to visit.
Ramos is a name to watch, especially after recently receiving an offer from the Orange.
June 12-14
- Q’mari Hudson, a four-star offensive tackle from Virginia, headlines this group.
Hudson has the kind of frame and footwork that makes offensive line coaches drool.
- Xavier Bala, a four-star running back from Saint Anthony’s in New York, has Syracuse in his top five.
The Orange are in the thick of this one.
- Javien Robinson, a four-star wide receiver out of Pennsylvania, is another top-five candidate for Syracuse.
He’s explosive with the ball in his hands and could be a game-changer at the next level.
- DJ Davis, a three-star athlete from Delaware, rounds out this group.
He’s versatile and could fit into multiple roles depending on how his development unfolds.
June 19-21
- Khalil Taylor, a four-star wide receiver from Pine-Richland in Pennsylvania, will be on campus. Taylor’s blend of speed and route-running makes him one of the more intriguing pass-catchers in the region.
Junior Days Paying Off
Syracuse hosted multiple junior days in January - including events on January 24 and 31 - and those visits are already bearing fruit. Several 2027 prospects who attended have since picked up offers, and the Orange are keeping tabs on who might return for spring practices or schedule official visits later this year.
These early visits are about more than just facilities tours. They’re about planting seeds - and based on the early returns, the staff is doing just that.
Flip Watch: Eyes on Committed Prospects
Flipping a recruit is never easy, but Syracuse is swinging big. The Orange have extended offers to several players currently committed elsewhere, and they’re working to change a few minds.
- Nash Johnson III, a three-star cornerback committed to Alabama, is one of those names. He plays at McEachern High School in Georgia and has the kind of physicality and instincts that defensive coordinators love.
- Demarcus Deroche, a four-star athlete committed to Miami, is another potential flip target. He’s out of Cardinal Gibbons in Florida and brings elite athleticism to the table.
- Bryce Williams, a four-star defensive back from Western High School in Florida, is no longer committed to Florida State but has Syracuse in his top six.
- Nick Lennear, a five-star wide receiver from Miami Carol City, has Syracuse in his top five.
The Orange staff is actively working to schedule a visit with Lennear - and landing one would be a major step forward.
High Interest, Potential Visits
There’s a growing list of 2027 prospects who have either visited already or are eyeing a trip to the Hill in the coming months. These aren’t just names - they’re legitimate targets who have expressed real interest in the program.
- Alijah Jones, a three-star offensive lineman from Rochester, NY
- Tyler Alexander, a three-star defensive lineman out of Palm Beach Central in Florida
- Trezavant Boyd, a four-star defensive back from Mater Academy in Florida
- Jamal Robinson Jr., a three-star wideout from the same school
- Alvin Mosley, a four-star wide receiver from Texas with big-play potential
- Esa Wittingburg, an edge rusher from East Orange Campus High School in New Jersey
- Mikahi Allen, a four-star linebacker from Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey
- Timi Aliu, a four-star offensive tackle from Georgia
- Oakley Keegan, a tight end from Liverpool, NY
- James Cocozzo, a three-star offensive lineman from Stillwater, NY
- Mamadee Sangaray, a versatile athlete from Iona Prep
- Joshua Simmons, a defensive lineman from the same school
- Noah Collins-Howard, another athlete from Rush-Henrietta in upstate New York
- Saleh Atariwa, a tight end from Cardinal Hayes in the Bronx
- Charlie Foulke, a three-star quarterback from St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia
- Bradyn Paulozzi, an edge rusher from St. Edward High School in Ohio
- Marcus Turpin, an athlete from Gilman School in Baltimore
- Aidan O’Neil, a four-star edge from Don Bosco Prep
This list underscores just how wide Syracuse has cast its net - and how seriously recruits are taking the program's pitch.
Can Syracuse Land Two Elite Targets?
Two names at the top of the board: Mekai Brown and Elijah Kimble.
- Brown, a four-star edge rusher from Greenwich Country Day in Connecticut, is a top-35 national prospect. He’s explosive off the line and has the kind of motor that can wreck game plans.
- Kimble, a four-star running back from Canisius High School in Buffalo, is ranked No. 1 in New York and sits inside the top 15 nationally at his position. At 5’10”, 180 pounds, he’s a dynamic back with elite vision and burst.
Syracuse has been recruiting both players hard, but the competition is stiff. Still, if the Orange can land visits from either - or both - it would be a major step toward closing the deal.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 recruiting cycle is still in its early stages, but Syracuse football is already making a statement. With a top-10 class and a growing list of blue-chip prospects showing real interest, the Orange are proving that their recent momentum on the trail is no fluke.
There’s still a long road ahead, but if the staff can continue to stack official visits, flip a few key targets, and close on elite talent like Brown and Kimble, this class could rival - or even surpass - the record-setting 2026 haul.
One thing’s clear: the Orange are no longer just in the conversation. They’re becoming a destination.