Syracuse got in early with 2028 quarterback Kaden Copelin, and that head start has clearly mattered.
The Woodlands (TX) High signal caller said the Orange were the first school to extend him an offer back in May, and since then Syracuse has stayed in steady contact. Copelin also took a trip to Central New York in June, giving him a closer look at the program, the coaches and the campus.
"The offer really means a lot to me,” Copelin said to The Juice Online. "It was my first one, and they made a visit to our school to watch me throw and then made the offer while there.
It was very exciting. Plus Syracuse is a great program with a lot of tradition, and getting an offer from them is something I’m really grateful for.
It definitely makes me want to learn more about the program and continue building that relationship.”
The relationship has been built most directly with quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan and Charlie Brewer, who delivered the offer. Copelin said both coaches have stood out to him and his family for the way they communicate and the way they approach development.
"I really like both of them,” Copelin said. "They’ve been genuine with me and my family, and I like the way they communicate.
You can tell they care about developing their players, not just recruiting them. Especially coach Brewer as he stays in touch regularly checking in on how things are going.”
For Copelin, the fit goes beyond conversation. He sees Syracuse’s offense as a strong match for his own game, especially because it resembles what he already runs at Woodlands. He also pointed to the system’s track record, including the NCAA’s top passer in 2024, Kyle McCord.
"I like that they put responsibility on the quarterback and give him opportunities to make plays,” Copelin said. "I feel like their offense fits a quarterback who can throw the ball, make good decisions, and also use his legs when needed. We also talked about Syracuse as a school and what the program is like outside of football.”
That June visit gave him more than just an offensive overview. Copelin met the full coaching staff, toured the facilities and spent time on campus. It was only his second time in that part of the country, and he said the trip helped him get a better feel for the program as a whole.
"I really enjoyed it,” Copelin said. "Honestly it was my first time there in the summer and I thought it would be cooler than it was.
And only my second time in that part of the country. We went to a Bills game back in December, so we got to see a little bit of the cold too.
But getting to see the facilities, meet the coaches in person, and get a feel for the program was important. I really appreciated the tour through every thing with coach Ryan.”
Syracuse isn’t the only school in the mix. Copelin also has an offer from SMU and has been hearing from Houston and Texas Tech. Even with that growing list, he said the Orange are among the schools he has already built a strong bond with.
"There are definitely a few schools I’ve built really good relationships with, and Syracuse is one of them,” Copelin said. "Right now I’m keeping an open mind and trying to find the best overall fit for me, both as a quarterback and as a student.”
Copelin describes himself as a dual-threat quarterback, though he said his game starts with the pass. He’s comfortable extending plays when the pocket breaks down, and he wants the ball when things are on the line.
"I think one of my biggest strengths is being able to keep my eyes down field when the pocket breaks down and it’s time to scramble,” Copelin said. "I think I stay composed, read the defense, and make good decisions.
I am a leader on offense and for the team. I’m competitive, and I want the ball in my hands when the game is on the line."
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