Syracuse is diving into the transfer portal with a clear target in mind - and they’re looking to bolster their quarterback room with a player who’s coming off a breakout season at the Division II level. West Florida quarterback Marcus Stokes is set to visit the Orange the weekend of January 3rd, just days after the portal officially opens.
And make no mistake, this is more than just a courtesy visit. Stokes is a serious prospect with two years of eligibility remaining and a resume that’s hard to ignore.
After redshirting in 2023 and starting eight games in 2024, Stokes exploded in 2025, putting together a season that turned heads across college football. He threw for 3,297 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions - numbers that speak to both volume and aggression in the passing game.
But it wasn’t just his arm doing the damage. Stokes added 367 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, showing he’s a dual-threat quarterback who can make defenses pay with his legs when the pocket breaks down or the play breaks open.
That all-around performance earned him Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors - a clear sign that he wasn’t just putting up empty numbers, but leading his team and making a real impact on the field.
What makes Stokes’ story even more intriguing is how his journey to this point has taken a few unexpected turns. Coming out of high school, he was a highly regarded four-star recruit, ranked as the No. 26 quarterback in the 2023 class. He initially committed to Penn State before flipping to Florida - a move that seemed to position him for a big-time college football future in the SEC.
But after Florida rescinded his scholarship offer, Stokes landed at West Florida, where he’s clearly made the most of his second chance. Now, with two years left to play and a full season of high-level production under his belt, he’s looking to make the jump to the FBS level - and Syracuse is giving him a serious look.
For the Orange, this visit signals a strategic move. With a new coaching staff in place and plenty of roster turnover expected, bringing in a quarterback like Stokes could offer a fresh start at the most important position on the field.
He’s got the tools - a strong arm, mobility, and now, real college experience. Whether he ends up in orange and blue remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Marcus Stokes has put himself back on the radar, and Syracuse is paying attention.