Syracuse’s upset of SMU gave Ty Winn a front-row look at exactly why the Orange keep making him a priority.
The 2028 offensive lineman from Monsignor Bonner in Philadelphia was back on campus over the weekend as Syracuse knocked off No. 19 SMU, 30-27.
Winn, a four-star prospect ranked No. 169 overall in his class by 247Sports, has already built up a long list of suitors that includes Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Ohio State and Texas, among many others. Even with that crowded picture, Syracuse remains firmly in the mix.
“The visit was good,” Winn said to The Juice Online. "Good game and had a good time with the coaches.”
Winn spent time with Fran Brown during the trip, and the head coach made a point of checking in on more than just football.
"He asked how my season was going and what I felt I could have done differently to make it better,” Winn said. "He talked to me about stepping into a leadership role for the players coming up under me.
He also talked about how they were projected to lose the game and how he planned to prove everybody wrong. And they definitely did.”
For Winn, the scene after the final whistle stood out just as much as the conversation with the staff.
"They played well from start to finish and it was great to see them pull off the upset,” Winn said.
The Orange have been after Winn for a while now, and he made it clear the relationship still matters.
"Syracuse is still high on my list,” Winn said. "I have a lot of respect for the coaching staff and really enjoyed getting back up there.”
Winn’s high school season has been a grind, with Friars sitting at 4-6. He didn’t sugarcoat it, but he did frame it as part of the process.
"Our season could be going better but it’s definitely been a learning experience,” Winn said. "I’m continuing to get more reps, learn from each game, and work on improving so I can make my senior season even better.”
At 6-foot-8 and 270 pounds, Winn sees himself as a lineman who wins with technique and feel.
"I'm more of a technical O-lineman,” Winn said. "I know how to take the proper steps majority of the time.”
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Syracuse Faces A Much Bigger Clemson Test Than Fans Realize
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The quarterback picture is still a real concern, though, with Amari Odom out for the season because of a shoulder injury and Malachi Nelson doubtful after ankle surgery. Syracuse has beaten Clemson twice since 2017, so there is recent history to lean on, but the bigger picture is just as important: with four games left, the Orange still need two more wins to secure bowl eligibility, which gives this one a little extra weight beyond the usual ACC spotlight. [Read more 🡒]